Tinea versicolor is a common skin infection that causes discolored patches of skin, usually on the chest, back and upper arms. The patches may be covered with fine scale and can cause some itching (pruritus).

Tinea versicolor occurs most often in adolescents and young adults and is particularly prevalent in tropical climates that experience high temperatures and humidity year-round.

Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of Pityrosporum orbiculare, a type of yeast. Factors that increase a patient’s risk of developing tinea versicolor include heredity, excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis) and malnutrition.

Usually, the only symptom of tinea versicolor is the presence of discolored patches of skin that may be various shades of white, red or brown. They are usually flat and without texture.

Tinea versicolor is diagnosed during a physical examination that includes a medical history and a list of medications. A physician can usually diagnose the condition by visually inspecting the affected areas of skin.