Definition for Tinea versicolor
From Biology Forums Dictionary
Tinea versicolor is a type of fungal infection that affects the skin, most commonly appearing on the back, chest, neck and upper arms. It is caused by an overgrowth of yeast, which normally lives in skin pores and is often more abundant in areas that are more oily than others. The fungal infection is marked by small, discolored patches of skin that have a thin and scaly appearance. They can be white, pink, tan, or brown. These discolored patches have a scattered appearance and tend to be rather faint on lighter-colored skin and more noticeable on darker skin.
The patchy discoloration of tinea versicolor tends to grow slowly and may cause mild itching. The discoloration issues are more noticeable after exposure to the sun, as the unaffected skin tans while the discolored patches do not, creating a more pronounced effect. Tinea versicolor can affect people at any age, though it is more common in teenagers and young adults. It is also more common in people who live in warm, humid places and during the summer months.