Health information to help you understand symptoms. It isn't a diagnosis.About OwieClear
Check symptoms

Tinea versicolor

Also called: Tinea versicolor, pityriasis versicolor, sun spots fungus

Light, dark, or pinkish scaly patches on the chest, back, or shoulders from a common skin yeast. It's harmless, not contagious, and clears with antifungal treatment.

CauseMalassezia yeast
Worse inHeat and humidity
ColorCan take months to even out

Overview

Patches often show more after tanning because they don't tan.

It often comes back in summer.

Symptoms

Common signs:

  • Light or dark scaly patches on the chest or back
  • Light or dark scaly spots on the chest or back

Less common

  • Mild itching

Look up a symptom: Itching · Light or dark scaly spots on the chest or back

When to get medical care

Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayA spreading rash with fever.
See a doctor soonPatches not better after 4 weeks of treatment.

Causes

Overgrowth of normal skin yeast.

Does it spread or run in families?

  • It isn't caught from someone else. It's caused by germs that already live on or in the body.

Who is more likely to get it

  • Teens and young adults
  • Hot climates

Diagnosis

A clinician can usually tell by looking.

Tests

Tests, if needed:

  • Skin scraping:

Treatment

Treat and prevent.

Self-care

  • Use antifungal shampoo on the skin for 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse
  • Wear breathable clothes
  • Repeat monthly in summer to prevent it

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

MedicineHelps withGood to know
Antifungal washes
Patches
Antifungal pills
WidespreadPrescription.

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Prevention

To prevent it:

  • Monthly antifungal wash in summer

Which doctor treats this

  • Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
  • They may send you to a dermatologist (skin doctor).

Back to school, work, or sports

  • You can go to school or work once treatment starts. Keep the area covered and don't share towels.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  • If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
  • Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
  • Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
  • Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
  • Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

Outlook

Harmless and treatable.

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Tinea versicolor

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-12.