.png?sv=2022-11-02&spr=https&st=2026-05-29T21%3A37%3A00Z&se=2026-05-29T21%3A50%3A00Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=gdPwNmp%2BjSEfwhItp6kCiI1ISYd4tFtURU7EWKGK05s%3D)
DISCLAIMER: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product, service, or external web site does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product, service, or external web site content by CPCMG. We attempt to keep lists of resources and referrals as up to date as possible; however, this information is constantly changing. Please check with the service provider and your insurance company to verify coverage.
What is Tinea Versicolor?
A common, harmless skin condition caused by a fungus.
It is also called pityriasis versicolor.
Most common in teenagers and young adults.
Not contagious — cannot spread to others. Your child can attend school and participate in sports and other activities.
The fungus lives on everyone's skin; in some people it overgrows and causes a rash.
What does it look like?
Patches of different-colored skin.
Usually on the neck, upper back, chest, and shoulders.
On lighter skin:
Patches often look pink or light tan.
In summer, the patches don’t tan so they look lighter than the surrounding skin.
In winter, patches may look darker or a pinkish-brown.
On darker skin:
Patches vary in size and can have a fine, dry scale.
How Is It Diagnosed?
Usually diagnosed by looking at the skin.
Sometimes additional tests may be done:
KOH prep - a small amount of the scale is scraped off and examined under a microscope.
Wood’s lamp - a special UV light makes the patches glow yellowish-green.
How Is It Treated?
Your child’s healthcare provider will recommend the best option.
Medicated shampoos applied to the skin:
Selenium sulfide 1%
Apply to affected skin and 2-3 inches around the spots, leave it on for 10-30 minutes, then rinse.
Use once daily for 7 days
May cause skin dryness.
Ketoconazole
Apply to damp skin and lather, leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse.
Use once daily for 3 days.
Pyrithione Zinc
Apply to affected skin, leave it on for 5 minutes, then rinse.
Use once daily for 2 weeks.
Anti-fungal creams
Best for small areas
Used 1-2 times per day for 2-4 weeks.
Examples: clotrimazole cream, ketoconazole cream, ciclopirox cream
Oral Medications
Best for large areas or rashes that keep coming back. Oral medications require a prescription.
How To Prevent Tinea Versicolor From Coming Back
It often comes back, especially in warm weather.
Once a month, for 3 months, apply the medicated shampoo to the areas that had the rash. Keep it on overnight (8-12 hours) and then shower.
If it keeps coming back, use the shampoo once a month every summer.
Shower after heavy sweating and exercise.
When it is hot or humid, wear loose-fitting cotton clothes.
Avoid oily skin products.
What To Expect
The rash should stop spreading within 2 weeks of treatment.
It can take 6-12 months for the color to even out.
Protecting your skin from sun exposure helps the color return to normal faster.
When To Call CPCMG
The rash is not starting to improve after 2 weeks of treatment.
The rash is spreading or getting worse.
The rash covers large parts of the body.
There is a change in the way the rash looks.
The rash becomes very itchy or painful.
Your child appears ill.
The rash keeps coming back even though you are taking steps to prevent it.
You have other questions or concerns.
📚 References
This content was adapted from HealthyChildren.org, The American Academy of Pediatrics Parenting Website, Mayo Clinic, DermNet, and The Full Spectrum of Dermatology: A Diverse and Inclusive Atlas. Images from The Full Spectrum of Dermatology: A Diverse and Inclusive Atlas.
Reviewed by AR DO, Patient Education Committee.