Pityriasis Versicolor

Key facts

• Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection driven by overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, a species that normally lives on everyone's skin.
• Heat and humidity give the yeast ideal conditions to multiply, which is why flares are more common in warm, humid weather.
• The main sign is patchy, uneven skin colour, lighter than the surrounding skin on tanned or darker complexions, or pink and scaly on paler skin, usually on the chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms.
• Antifungal treatment, oral itraconazole for widespread patches or topical antifungals for localised ones, clears the active infection, though skin tone can take weeks or months to even out afterward.

How the patches appear

The most noticeable sign is uneven skin colour: patches lighter than the surrounding skin on tanned or darker complexions, or slightly pink and scaly on paler skin. They typically appear on the chest, back, shoulders, and upper arms. Because the patches don't tan the same way as unaffected skin, they often become more visible after sun exposure. Mild itching can occur, though many people notice no itch at all.

Treating pityriasis versicolor

Antifungal treatment clears the active infection. Oral options such as itraconazole are commonly used when the affected area is widespread. Topical antifungals work well for smaller, localised patches. Skin colour can take weeks or months to even out after the yeast is cleared, even when treatment has fully worked.

Preventing recurrence

Recurrence is common in warm, humid weather, since the same conditions that favour the yeast tend to return each season. Some people treat preventively with an antifungal wash or short course before periods of heavy heat and humidity, and keeping skin dry after sweating or swimming also helps.

This page is educational and does not replace advice from a doctor or pharmacist who knows your health history.