Pityriasis Versicolor

What is pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is a common skin condition caused by a fungus. You might also hear it called tinea versicolor. It causes patches of your skin to change colour, which can be worrying when you first notice it.

The good news is that it's completely harmless and can be treated. However, it does tend to come back, so you might need treatment more than once.

What does it look like?

The main sign is patches of skin that look different from your normal skin colour:

On white skin:

• Patches are usually pink, red or pale brown
• You might notice these areas don't tan in the sun like the rest of your skin

On brown or black skin:

• Patches tend to be paler than the surrounding skin

The patches usually appear on your:

• Chest
• Upper back
• Upper arms
• Neck
• Tummy

These patches are flat and round. Sometimes they join together to make larger areas. They might look slightly scaly and can sometimes feel itchy.

What causes it?

This condition is caused by a type of fungus that naturally lives on everyone's skin. Most of the time, this fungus doesn't cause any problems at all.

Sometimes, though, it can grow and spread more than usual. When this happens, you get pityriasis versicolor. We don't always know why this happens to some people and not others.

Important things to know:

• It's not caused by poor hygiene or not washing properly
• Most people who get it are otherwise completely healthy
• You can't catch it from someone else or pass it on to others

When should you see your GP?

You should speak to your GP if:

• You notice patches of your skin have changed colour
• You have any other skin changes that worry you
• You're not sure what's causing the patches

Don't try to work out what it is yourself. Other conditions like vitiligo or psoriasis can sometimes look similar, so it's important to get the right diagnosis.

How is it treated?

Your GP can prescribe effective treatments for pityriasis versicolor. The most common treatments are:

Antifungal shampoo (like ketoconazole)

• You use this on the affected skin areas
• Leave it on for a few minutes, then rinse off

Antifungal cream

• Applied directly to the affected patches

If the condition covers a large area, or if shampoos and creams don't work, your GP might prescribe antifungal tablets instead.

What to expect after treatment

Be patient with the treatment - it can take several months for your skin to return to its normal colour, even after the fungus has been cleared.

Unfortunately, pityriasis versicolor often comes back. If this happens, you might need the same treatment again. Sometimes your GP will suggest long-term treatment, such as using antifungal shampoo every few weeks to prevent it returning.

Remember, this is a common and harmless condition that responds well to treatment. If you're concerned about any changes to your skin, speak to your GP for proper advice and treatment.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.