Many People Call This Eczema — But It’s NOT (And That’s Why It Keeps Coming Back)

Who Is Most at Risk?

Tinea Versicolor thrives in specific environments and body conditions. You’re more likely to develop it if you:

• Live in a warm, humid climate (for example, tropical regions like Nigeria)

• Sweat excessively

• Have oily skin

• Have a weakened immune system

• Are a teenager or young adult

Hormonal changes during adolescence increase oil production, which explains why this condition is especially common in younger people.

Symptoms to Watch Out For

Unlike eczema, Tinea Versicolor usually causes minimal inflammation, which can make it harder to recognize.

Typical symptoms include:

• Discolored skin patches that may be:

  • Slightly itchy

  • Dry or scaly

• Uneven skin tone that becomes more obvious after sun exposure

• Mild flaking when the skin is scratched

Important note: Itching is usually mild or absent, unlike eczema, which often causes intense itchiness.

How Is Tinea Versicolor Diagnosed?

A healthcare professional can usually diagnose Tinea Versicolor quickly using one or more of the following methods:

1. Visual Examination
   The pattern and color changes are often distinctive.

2. Skin Scraping Test
   A small sample is examined under a microscope to confirm fungal overgrowth.

3. Wood’s Lamp Examination
   Under ultraviolet light, affected areas may glow a yellow-green color, helping confirm the diagnosis.