Tinea versicolor (also known as pityriasis versicolor) is a fungal infection that causes a skin rash. The rash is formed by many small spots that typically appear on parts of the upper body, usually on the chest and neck. In children, it often involves the face.
The spots are flat and may be white, pink, red, tan, brown, purple, or gray-black, depending on skin color. The spots often form patches that may be lighter or darker than the rest of the skin. The patches may be mildly itchy and have fine scales.
Tinea versicolor is caused by a type of fungus normally found on the skin. But sometimes the fungus can cause a skin rash. This happens more often when temperatures and humidity are high, such as during the summer or in tropical regions.
Tinea versicolor is most common in teenagers and young adults, but it can occur at any age. It does not spread from person to person.