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. They may begin as small, round spots that become larger and combine with other areas. The discolored patches may scale slightly or itch, but the condition rarely causes pain.

Other common characteristics of the discolored patches of skin may include:

• Infection usually occurs on the top layers of the skin (epidermis) in the stratum corneum.
  
  

  

• Usually occurs on the trunk of the body but rarely on the face. However, it may affect the face in children.
  
  
• May be worse during the heat or humidity. Lesions generally fade in cooler and drier months.
  
  
• May be worse among patients using corticosteroids or those that have a weakened immune system.
  
  
• May be more noticeable during the summer months because tanning makes the difference between normal skin and skin affected by tinea versicolor more pronounced.