What is tinea versicolor?

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that belongs to the normal skin flora. This yeast, known as Malassezia, leads to the disruption of the normal pigmentation of the skin by inhibiting the production of melanin, which is the pigment responsible for skin color. Consequently, individuals with tinea versicolor may develop patches of skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding area, particularly after sun exposure. This condition is often characterized by its appearance on the trunk, neck, and arms, and it can be more noticeable in individuals with darker skin.

While the other options involve different types of conditions, they do not accurately describe tinea versicolor. Bacterial infections are caused by bacteria, viral infections by viruses, and skin allergies involve an immune response to allergens. Understanding that tinea versicolor is specifically caused by a fungus helps differentiate it from these other types of conditions.