Pityriasis versicolor, sometimes called tinea versicolor, is a common condition that causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.

The patches may be darker or lighter than your normal skin colour, or may be red or pink. They tend to develop gradually and may join up to form larger patches over time.

The areas most often affected by pityriasis versicolor include the trunk (chest and tummy), neck, upper arms and back.

Although it may look unpleasant and the patches are sometimes itchy, pityriasis versicolor is harmless. However, you may want to see your GP if you think you have the condition as it will usually only improve if it’s treated.

Your GP can normally diagnose pityriasis versicolor by examining your skin.

Why it happens

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a type of yeast called Malassezia. This yeast is found on the skin of over 90% of adults, where it normally lives without causing any problems.

However, pityriasis versicolor can develop if this yeast starts to multiply more than usual.

It’s not clear exactly why this happens in some people and not in others, but there are several factors that can increase your risk of developing pityriasis versicolor. These include:

• living or staying in a warm, moist environment, including the UK in the summer
• sweating excessively (hyperhidrosis)
• having naturally oily skin
• being a teenager or in your early 20s

Pityriasis versicolor is not related to poor hygiene and the condition cannot be spread from person to person because most people already have the Malassezia yeast on their skin.

It’s estimated that around one in every 100 people in the UK has pityriasis versicolor.

How pityriasis versicolor is treated

Pityriasis versicolor can be treated with antifungal medicines. These are available as shampoos, creams and tablets.

Antifungal shampoos

Antifungal shampoos (such as ketoconazole or selenium sulphide shampoo) are often the first treatment recommended for pityriasis versicolor. These are available to buy over the counter from pharmacies, or your GP can prescribe them.

In most cases, these shampoos need to be applied to the affected areas of skin and left for five to 10 minutes before being rinsed off. This usually needs to be repeated every day for five to seven days. 

You may experience some skin irritation or a burning sensation when using these shampoos, particularly selenium sulphide, in which case it may be helpful to dilute the shampoo with water before applying it. Some people also find the odour of selenium sulphide shampoo unpleasant.

Antifungal creams and tablets

If only small areas of skin are affected, your GP may prescribe an antifungal cream. These creams usually need to be applied to the affected area of skin once or twice a day for several weeks. Some people experience a burning sensation when they use these antifungal creams, but this is uncommon.

If a large area of skin is affected, or other treatments haven’t helped, you may be prescribed antifungal tablets. These usually need to be taken once a day for one to four weeks. Side effects of these tablets are uncommon, although some people experience problems such as rashes, feeling sick and abdominal (tummy) pain while taking them.

Outlook

Overall, antifungal shampoos, creams and tablets are effective in killing the yeast that causes pityriasis versicolor. However, it can take several weeks or months for your skin to return to its normal colour and, in more persistent cases, treatment may need to be repeated.

Recurrences

It is common for pityriasis versicolor to come back after treatment, particularly during the summer or during holidays to warm and humid countries. However, you can reduce this likelihood by regularly using the antifungal shampoos mentioned above.

For example, continuing to use the shampoo once every two to four weeks after the initial treatment, or once a day for a few days before going on holiday, can help prevent pityriasis versicolor recurring. As these shampoos are available to buy from pharmacies, you don’t need to see your GP for a prescription if you run out.

If you develop pityriasis versicolor again after treatment, you can try treating it yourself with antifungal shampoo or you can see your GP for advice and alternative treatments.

If you have frequent and severe episodes of pityriasis versicolor, your GP may consider prescribing antifungal tablets to take a few times a month to prevent the condition reoccurring.