Pityriasis versicolor
Overview
Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal skin infection. It's sometimes also called tinea versicolor. A GP can prescribe treatment for it, but it can keep coming back.
Symptoms
Pityriasis versicolor causes patches of skin to change colour.
Treatment
A GP can prescribe treatment for pityriasis versicolor. The main treatments are: antifungal shampoo (such asketoconazole) that you use on the affected skin and rinse off after a few minutesantifungal cream If pityriasis versicolor covers a large area, or shampoos and creams do not work, a GP may prescribe antifungal tablets. It can take a few months for the skin to return to its usual colour after treatment and the patches can come back. If they come back, you may need the same treatment again or your GP may suggest long-term treatment such as using antifungal shampoo every few weeks.