Pityriasis Versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, is a common fungal infection of the skin. Normally, yeast resides on the skin without causing any issues. However, under certain circumstances, the yeast can multiply rapidly, leading to an overgrowth and subsequent fungal infection. Pityriasis versicolor does not typically cause pain or spread through direct contact, but it does result in discolored patches on the skin due to interference with the skin’s pigmentation.
Although this fungal infection is not contagious or physically uncomfortable, it can have a significant impact on a person’s self-esteem, especially if it spreads to larger areas of the body. Recognizing the symptoms of pityriasis versicolor is crucial in order to seek appropriate treatment.
Symptom: Skin Spots in Pityriasis Versicolor
One of the primary indicators of pityriasis versicolor is the presence of spots on the skin. These spots can vary in color, either darker or lighter than the individual’s natural skin tone. The blemishes may appear in shades of tan, salmon, brown, red, or pink. Pityriasis versicolor is not restricted to specific areas of the body, and as a result, spots can emerge anywhere. However, the most commonly affected areas are the chest, upper arms, back, and neck. In some cases, the spots may not be accompanied by any other symptoms or may take some time to manifest. Consequently, if the spots are faint and do not produce any additional symptoms, they can potentially be mistaken for other skin conditions.
Symptom: Dry or Scaly Skin
When suffering from pityriasis versicolor, one may notice the development of dry or scaly patches on the skin. As the fungal infection progresses, these patches may merge together, forming larger areas of dry and scaly skin. Furthermore, due to the presence of the yeast, the affected skin is unable to tan properly, making the dry and scaly patches more prominent, especially when one has a tan.