Tinea Versicolor: Light or Dark Patches on Your Back and Chest, and How to Clear Them
Tinea versicolor is a common yeast overgrowth that causes light, pink or dark patches on the chest and back. Here's how to treat it and stop it coming back.
Tinea versicolor is a common, harmless overgrowth of a yeast that normally lives on the skin. It causes small, flat patches that are lighter, pink or darker than the surrounding skin, usually on the chest, back, shoulders and neck, sometimes with fine scale or mild itching. Patches often become noticeable after sun exposure, because the affected skin doesn't tan. It isn't contagious. Antifungal shampoos, creams or pills clear the yeast, but skin color can take months to even out, and it often comes back in warm, humid conditions.
What it looks like
- Small, round or oval patches that can merge into larger areas
- Lighter, pink, tan or darker than your usual skin color
- Fine, dry scale when scratched
- Mild itching, or none
- Common on the upper back, chest, shoulders, neck and upper arms
Why it happens
- Heat, humidity and sweating
- Oily skin
- Hormone changes in teens and young adults
- A weakened immune system
Treatment
- Antifungal shampoo (selenium sulfide or ketoconazole) used as a body wash: lather on the affected skin, leave it on 5 to 10 minutes, then rinse, daily for one to two weeks
- Antifungal creams (clotrimazole, terbinafine) for small areas
- Prescription pills for widespread or stubborn cases
The yeast clears in a few weeks, but light patches can take months to fill back in with sun exposure. That doesn't mean the treatment failed.
Keeping it from coming back
- Use the antifungal shampoo on your skin once or twice a month, especially before summer
- Shower soon after sweating or workouts
- Wear loose, breathable clothing
- Avoid oily skin products
Tinea versicolor or something else?
Light patches can also be vitiligo, eczema, or pityriasis alba in children. A red, scaly ring is more likely ringworm. Our rash guide covers others.
When to get seen
Come in, or start with a telehealth visit, if over-the-counter treatment hasn't helped after two weeks, patches are spreading or itchy, it keeps coming back, or you're not sure what it is. At an AfterOurs clinic, a standard self-pay visit is $175, and a self-pay in-clinic visit never costs more than $330. Telehealth is $75. We contract with all major commercial and government plans, including Colorado Medicaid and Medicare. See our rashes page and the cost and insurance page.
Get seen the same day if a rash becomes painful, hot, swollen or starts draining, or comes with a fever. Go to the ER for a rash with trouble breathing, swelling of the face or lips, or widespread blistering.
Where to find us
Four clinics across metro Denver, all ages welcome, se habla español:
- Hampden (Southeast Denver): 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Littleton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Thornton: 8 AM–11 PM daily
- Highlands: Mon–Fri 5–11 PM, Sat–Sun 8 AM–11 PM
Walk in, or book online.
Medically reviewed by Peter Martinuzzi, MD
This article is general health information, not medical advice for your situation. If you are worried, come in or book a telehealth visit — and if it is an emergency, call 911.