ADVERTISEMENT
If you’ve been treating recurring light or dark patches on your skin as eczema and seeing little to no improvement, you’re not alone. This is a very common — and costly — misunderstanding.
In many cases, what looks like eczema is actually Tinea Versicolor, a stubborn fungal skin infection. And because fungi require a completely different treatment approach, mislabeling it is exactly why the condition keeps returning.
Let’s clear the confusion once and for all and explain how to treat it properly.
What Is Tinea Versicolor?
Tinea Versicolor, also known as pityriasis versicolor, is a common fungal infection caused by Malassezia, a yeast that naturally lives on the skin.
Under certain conditions, this yeast grows out of control and interferes with normal skin pigmentation. The result? Discolored patches that don’t tan normally and often spread over time.
This condition is not dangerous, but it is persistent and can be frustrating if not treated correctly.
What Does Tinea Versicolor Look Like?
Tinea Versicolor doesn’t look the same on everyone, which is another reason it’s frequently mistaken for eczema or other skin conditions.
Common visual signs include:
-
Small patches that are white, pink, red, or brown
-
Irregular or slightly scaly texture
-
Patches that merge into larger areas over time
These spots usually appear on the:
-
Chest
-
Upper back
-
Neck
-
Upper arms
-
Face (especially in children and teens
One key giveaway: the affected areas don’t darken in the sun, making them more noticeable after sun exposure.
ADVERTISEMENT
