In short
Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal skin infection.
Worth knowing8
Pityriasis versicolor causes patches of skin to change color.
NHS websiteOn white skin, the patches are usually pink, red or pale brown.
NHS websiteOn brown or black skin, the patches tend to be paler than the surrounding skin.
NHS websiteThe patches usually appear on the chest, upper back, upper arms, neck or belly.
NHS websiteThe patches are flat and round, and can join up to form large areas.
NHS websitePityriasis versicolor is caused by a type of fungus that lives on the skin.
NHS websiteIt's not caused by not washing your skin.
NHS websitePityriasis versicolor cannot spread from person to person.
NHS website
What helps2
The main treatments are: antifungal shampoo (such as ketoconazole) that you use on the affected skin and rinse off after 10 to 15 minutes; antifungal cream.
NHS websiteIt can take a few months for the skin to return to its usual color after treatment, and the patches can come back.
NHS website
See a provider if1
It can look like vitiligo or psoriasis, so a provider or pharmacist is the one to ask if you are worried.
NHS website
Sources
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
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