- Tinea Versicolor (Pityriasis Versicolor)
Cause: Overgrowth of yeast (Malassezia) on the skin
Appearance: Scattered white, pink, or tan patches on chest, back, shoulders
Key clue: May have very fine scale (not always visible)
Treatment: Antifungal shampoos (e.g., selenium sulfide) or creams
💡 Test at home: Gently scrape the area—if fine scale appears, it may be tinea versicolor.
Less Common but Important Causes
- Vitiligo
Appearance: Bright white, sharply defined patches that may expand
Common sites: Face, hands, elbows, knees, genitalia
Cause: Autoimmune destruction of melanocytes
Clue: Often symmetrical; may run in families
Note: Not contagious or dangerous—but can impact quality of life
- Nevus Depigmentosus
Appearance: Stable, pale patch present since childhood
Behavior: Doesn’t spread or change
