Medically reviewed by Dr. A.M. van Coevorden, dermatologist
Pityriasis versicolorlighter or darker scaly patches on the trunk
Pityriasis versicolor is a harmless, superficial skin infection caused by a yeast that lives on many people's skin. In some people the yeast overgrows and damages the top layer of the skin, giving lighter or darker scaly patches, mainly on the trunk. It is not contagious.
- What is pityriasis versicolor?
- Is pityriasis versicolor contagious?
- How do you get pityriasis versicolor?
- What does pityriasis versicolor look like?
- How is the diagnosis made?
- What treatments are there?
- Can pityriasis versicolor be cured?
- What can you do yourself?
- Frequently asked questions about pityriasis versicolor
What is pityriasis versicolor?
Pityriasis versicolor is a harmless superficial skin infection, caused by the pityrosporum yeast, a kind of fungus that lives on many people's skin. Most people have no trouble from it, but in some it damages the top layer of the skin; the doctor calls this yeast overgrowth. This overgrowth prefers oily, sebum-rich skin, such as the scalp, chest and body folds, and so occurs mainly there.
Is pityriasis versicolor contagious?
No. Pityriasis versicolor is not contagious. The yeast is already present on many people's skin and does not pass from person to person.
How do you get pityriasis versicolor?
Mainly young adults get pityriasis versicolor. It develops more easily with moisture, heat and oily skin, and so is more common in warm, humid countries. In the Netherlands the complaints often start in summer. When the skin is more tanned, the changes are easier to see.
What does pityriasis versicolor look like?
On fair skin they are light-brown or reddish-brown patches with fine scaling, which increases when the skin is stretched. On dark skin the patches are instead lighter than the person's own colour. The patches vary in size and sit mainly on the upper back, chest and upper arms, and can spread to the forearms and thighs. Sometimes it itches a little.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor usually recognises pityriasis versicolor by sight. Sometimes flakes are taken for further examination.
What treatments are there?
Skin treatment: usually a cream or gel applied once a day for two weeks, for example ketoconazole or ciclopirox. The doctor can also give a solution such as selenium sulfide, applied with a washcloth and rinsed off after ten minutes. Because the yeast is almost always on the scalp too, it is important to treat the scalp as well, even without symptoms, by massaging in the prescribed shampoo twice a week after washing and rinsing after five minutes.
Tablet treatment: for many patches or frequent recurrence, itraconazole capsules can be prescribed, usually for just a week. Side effects almost never occur.
Can pityriasis versicolor be cured?
After treatment the light or dark patches remain visible for a long time. They usually disappear on their own in summer or after about six months. Unfortunately pityriasis versicolor often returns; you can then keep using the products as maintenance once or twice a week. There is no medicine that removes the complaints permanently.
What can you do yourself?
If you often have it, you can apply the prescribed gel to the scalp twice a week during the summer months as a precaution, even before the patches are visible, to limit recurrence.
Frequently asked questions about pityriasis versicolor
Is pityriasis versicolor contagious?
No. It develops from a yeast already present on everyone's skin and does not pass from person to person.
Why do the patches stay visible after treatment?
The yeast is treated, but the colour difference in the skin recovers slowly. The patches usually only fade after about six months or in the sun.
Does it come back?
Often yes. If it recurs, you can keep using the cream or shampoo as maintenance once or twice a week.
Why treat my scalp too?
Because the yeast is almost always on the scalp as well, even without symptoms. Treating it reduces the chance of recurrence.
What does it look like?
Light-brown or reddish-brown scaly patches on fair skin, or lighter patches on dark skin, mainly on the upper back, chest and upper arms.