Tinea Versicolor
Alternate Names : Pityriasis Versicolor
Tinea versicolor is a skin disorder caused by an overgrowth of a
fungus that lives normally on the skin. It shows up as scaling and bumps
primarily on the chest, shoulders, and back. It can make dark skin appear
lighter and light skin appear brownish.
What is going on in the body?
Tinea versicolor occurs when a fungus that lives normally on the skin starts to
multiply rapidly. The overgrowth of the fungus causes skin that is uneven in
color, along with a buildup of scaly patches.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Tinea versicolor is caused by an overgrowth of a fungus that grows normally on
people's skin. No one knows why the overgrowth occurs in some people and not in
others. Risk factors that increase a person's chance of developing tinea
versicolor include:
being an adolescent or young adult. The condition is rare in children and
elderly individuals.
living in a warm, moist climate
having oily skin
summer months, when the temperature and humidity are elevated
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