Skin Health Fungal, Bacterial & Viral Infections Tinea Versicolor Treatment Options These antifungals can help clear up your skin By Heather L. Brannon, MD Heather L. Brannon, MD Heather L. Brannon, MD, is a family practice physician in Mauldin, South Carolina. She has been in practice for over 20 years. Learn about our editorial process Updated on June 22, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Health articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and healthcare professionals. These medical reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by Casey Gallagher, MD Medically reviewed by Casey Gallagher, MD Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology and works as a practicing dermatologist and clinical professor. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents What Is Tinea Versicolor? OTC Options Topical Prescriptions Oral Antifungals Maintenance Treatments Frequently Asked Questions Treatment for tinea versicolor, a yeast-like fungal infection of the skin, can include topical over-the-counter (OTC) anti-fungal medications and prescription anti-fungal creams and oral medication. The condition itself won't lead to any serious issues if left alone, but these treatments can help improve the patches of discolored skin and itching that tinea versicolor causes. Also known as pityriasis versicolor, a tinea rash is neither contagious nor dangerous. But it can be persistent, recurring, and bothersome. Some people may need to use a tinea versicolor treatment every month to keep the infection at bay. This article discusses types of tinea versicolor treatments, various options, and when they are used. Verywell / JR Bee What Is Tinea Versicolor? Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection caused by yeast-like fungi called Malassezia. The infection targets pigment-producing skin cells known as melanocytes. The fungal infection produces a characteristic rash on the torso, face, and shoulders. The discolored patches can appear lighter or darker than the surrounding skin and made up of either flat skin lesions (macules) or raised plaques. It is more noticeable on tanned skin. Some people report itching with tinea versicolor, though this does not happen for everyone. This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Pityriasis versicolor white. DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Pityriasis versicolor pink. DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing. See Photo Pityriasis versicolor brown. DermNet / CC BY-NC-ND OTC Tinea Versicolor Treatment Over-the-counter topical antifungal medications are usually effective in the early stages or first occurrence of the infection. OTC anti-fungal treatments for tinea versicolor include: Lamisil AT (terbinafine) cream or gelLotrimin AF (clotrimazole) cream or lotionMicaderm (miconazole) cream Antifungal washes including zinc pyrithione soap, sulfur salicylic acid shampoo, and Selsun Blue (selenium sulfide) shampoo are also used to treat mild cases of tinea versicolor. These remedies can can cause skin irritation and should be tested on a small patch of skin. Topical Prescription Medications If OTC remedies don't clear up the rash, your healthcare provider can prescribe a topical antifungal medication. The most effective prescription antifungals for tinea versicolor include: 2% Nizoral (ketoconazole) cream or foam2% Nizoral (ketoconazole) shampoo1% Lamisil (terbinafine) solution1% Lotrimin (clotrimazole) solution Oral Antifungal Treatments Tinea versicolor lives in the top layer of skin (epidermis) and usually responds to topical antifungal medications. However, more often than not, the rash returns. This means repeat treatment with stronger anti-fungals is often needed over time. Oral antifungal pills can be used for harder-to-treat cases. Diflucan (fluconazole) is an oral antifungal that is effective against tinea versicolor. Side effects of oral antifungal medications include nausea and reversible liver damage. However, the course of treatment is usually short and these side effects are not common. Maintenance Treatments Once successfully treated, tinea versicolor has an 80% chance of recurrance. Many people require ongoing maintenance treatments to keep the fungal infection in check. Using dandruff shampoos as a body wash is a common, low-cost solution. Shampoos that have been shown to be effective as treatments for tinea versicolor include: Sulfur salicylic acid shampooZinc-pyrithione shampooSelsun Blue (selenium sulfide) 2.5% If these remedies cause skin irritation, talk to your healthcare provider about other preventive options. Summary Tinea versicolor is a skin infection caused by overgrowth of a common fungus. It causes patches of discolored skin that are treated with antifungal medication. If you suspect you have tinea versicolor, talk to your healthcare provider about treatment options. Tinea versicolor treatment is usually based on the extent of your rash, how long you've had it, and if it is your first rash or a recurrence. Tinea versicolor usually responds well to topical treatments but more stubborn cases may require prescription antifungal pills. Maintenance treatments may be needed to prevent recurrences. Some people have success using dandruff shampoos to treat tinea versicolor and prevent a recurrence. Frequently Asked Questions How long does tinea versicolor last? Tinea versicolor does not usually go away on its own. It responds well to treatment, but it is very likely to come back. The spots usually resolve quickly. The changes in color may take longer. How can you treat tinea versicolor at home? Home remedies for tinea versicolor include over the counter anti-fungal creams and lotions like Lotrimin AF or Lamisil AT. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit 5 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Gupta AK, Foley KA. Antifungal treatment for pityriasis versicolor. J Fungi. 2015;1(1):13-29. doi:10.3390/jof1010013 Thayikkannu AB, Kindo AJ, Veeraraghavan M. Malassezia-can it be ignored? Indian J Dermatol. 2015;60(4):332-9. doi:10.4103/0019-5154.160475 Bamford JTM, Flores‐Genuino RNS, Ray S, et al. Interventions for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2018;2018(6):CD011208. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD011208.pub2 Mayo Clinic. Tinea versicolor. Gupta AK, Lyons DC. Pityriasis versicolor: an update on pharmacological treatment options. Expert Opin Pharmacother. 2014;15(12):1707-13. doi:10.1517/14656566.2014.931373 Additional Reading Weller RB, Hunter HJA, Mann MW. Clinical Dermatology. Chichester, West Sussex: John Wiley & Sons Inc; 2015.