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Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal skin infection. It's sometimes also called tinea versicolor. A GP can prescribe treatment for it, but it can keep coming back.

Pityriasis versicolor is different to pityriasis rosea.

Check if you have pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor causes patches of skin to change colour.

A close-up of pityriasis versicolor on white skin. The skin is covered in pink, blotchy patches that have joined together to form large pink areas.
On white skin, the patches are usually pink, red or pale brown. You may notice the patches do not tan in the sun.
Pityriasis versicolor on the chest and upper arm of someone with brown skin. The skin is covered in large patches that are paler than the surrounding skin.
On brown or black skin, the patches tend to be paler than the surrounding skin.
Pityriasis around the armpit of someone with white skin. There are lots of small, brown circular patches covering the skin around the armpit and nipple.
The patches usually appear on the chest, upper back, upper arms, neck or tummy.

If you're not sure it's pityriasis versicolor

Other conditions can have similar symptoms to pityriasis versicolor.

For example, discoloured patches could be vitiligo, and flaky, raised patches could be psoriasis.

Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself – see a GP if you're worried.

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • patches of your skin have changed colour – if it's pityriasis versicolor, it will usually only go away if treated
  • you have any other changes to your skin you're worried about

Treatment from a GP

A GP can prescribe treatment for pityriasis versicolor.

The main treatments are:

If pityriasis versicolor covers a large area, or shampoos and creams do not work, a GP may prescribe antifungal tablets.

It can take a few months for the skin to return to its usual colour after treatment and the patches can come back.

If they come back, you may need the same treatment again or your GP may suggest long-term treatment such as using antifungal shampoo every few weeks.

How you get pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a type of fungus that lives on the skin.

Most people have this fungus on their skin without it causing any problems. But sometimes it can grow and spread more than usual, causing pityriasis versicolor.

It’s not always clear why this happens. It’s not caused by not washing your skin and most people who have it are otherwise healthy.

Pityriasis versicolor cannot spread from person to person.

Page last reviewed: 15 March 2022
Next review due: 15 March 2025