What are the symptoms of pityriasis versicolor?

Symptoms of PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR are: (1) Black/blue/brown spots or moles, on the skin and lining of the mouth. (2) Scaly skin that flakes off. (3) Skin redness or red bumpy rashes

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Learn more about Pityriasis versicolor

Content updated on Sep 20, 2022

What is pityriasis versicolor?

This is a common fungal infection that causes discolored patches, often on the chest, back, arms and neck. It is due to an overgrowth of a type of fungus that is found normally on skin. It most frequently affects young adults and teens, and in hot and humid climates.

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor

Black/blue/brown spots or moles, on the skin and lining of the mouth
Scaly skin that flakes off
Skin redness or red bumpy rashes

Questions your doctor may ask to check for pityriasis versicolor

Your doctor may ask these questions to diagnose pityriasis versicolor

Are there black, blue, or brown spots on the skin or elsewhere? (Including moles)
Do you have scaly skin that flakes off?
Do you have red skin or red spots on the skin?

Treatment for pityriasis versicolor

Mild cases of pityriasis versicolor are treated with topical antifungal medications like creams and shampoos. More severe cases may be treated with oral antifungal medication.

View the symptoms of Pityriasis versicolor

Diseases related to Pityriasis versicolor

References

Gupta AK, Lyons DC. Pityriasis versicolor: an update on pharmacological treatment options. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014 Aug;15(12):1707-13. doi: 10.1517/14656566.2014.931373. Epub 2014 Jul 3. PMID: 24991691.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1517/14656566.2014.931373?cookieSet=1
Thoma W, Krämer HJ, Mayser P. Pityriasis versicolor alba. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2005 Mar;19(2):147-52. doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.01085.x. PMID: 15752280.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1468-3083.2004.01085.x
Gupta AK, Bluhm R, Summerbell R. Pityriasis versicolor. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2002 Jan;16(1):19-33. doi: 10.1046/j.1468-3083.2002.00378.x. PMID: 11952286.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/resolve/doi?DOI=10.1046/j.1468-3083.2002.00378.x
Gupta AK, Batra R, Bluhm R, Faergemann J. Pityriasis versicolor. Dermatol Clin. 2003 Jul;21(3):413-29, v-vi. doi: 10.1016/s0733-8635(03)00039-1. PMID: 12956196.
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0733863503000391?via%3Dihub

Reviewed By:

Unnati Patel, MD, MSc (GP / Family doctor)

Yukiko Ueda, MD (Dermatology)

From our team of 50+ doctors

Just 3 minutes.
Developed by doctors.