Author's details
- Hakim A Abubakre
- BA (Hons) International Business Management, Msc Digital Marketing.
Reviewer's details
- Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
- MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
- Resident doctor in family medicine in Northen Sweden.
- Date Published: 2025-08-30
- Date Updated: 2025-08-30
Tinea Versicolor (Discolored Skin Patches)
Introduction
🧴 Tinea Versicolor (Discolored Skin Patches)
👀 What is it?
- A common skin infection caused by yeast (fungus).
- Leads to light or dark patches on the skin.
- It is very common in hot, humid places like Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Not dangerous, not contagious, but can cause itching and embarrassment.
Discussion
⚠️ Signs & Symptoms
- Patches of white, pink, red, yellow, or brown skin
- Dry or scaly areas
- More visible after sun exposure
- Sometimes mild itching
- Common on chest, back, shoulders, arms
👥 Who is at Risk?
- Teenagers & young adults
- People living in hot, humid climates
- Those who sweat a lot
- People with diabetes or weakened immunity
- Pregnant women
🩺 Treatment
- Mild cases: creams or lotions (Clotrimazole, Miconazole, Terbinafine), antifungal shampoos (selenium sulfide, zinc pyrithione).
- Severe cases: tablets prescribed by a doctor.
🛡️ Prevention Tips
✅ Wear loose cotton clothes
✅ Avoid heavy, oily creams
✅ Stay cool & dry
✅ Use sunscreen to reduce contrast in skin color
🚨 When to See a doctor
- If patches spread widely
- If treatment at home doesn’t work
- If you feel unwell or have diabetes/weak immunity
- If skin changes affect your confidence or daily life
📌 Key Point
Tinea versicolor is common but harmless. With proper care, it can be controlled. Don’t be shy to seek medical help if it keeps coming back.
References
- Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Healthline, Verywell Health, Cedars-Sinai
- Boakye-Yiadom E. et al. (2024). Fungal Infections in Sub-Saharan Africa. Therapeutic Advances in Infectious Disease.
