Patches lighter or darker than your skin on the chest, back or shoulders are often tinea versicolor, a skin-yeast overgrowth. Share photos with a licensed clinician to discuss antifungal treatment and preventing recurrence. Insurance or $50 self-pay.
Complete loss of skin color, changing or bleeding spots, or patches that do not respond to treatment need dermatology review.
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Tinea versicolor is a common skin-yeast overgrowth that causes patches lighter or darker than surrounding skin, usually on the chest, back and shoulders, sometimes with fine scale and mild itch. It is more noticeable after sun exposure and in warm, humid weather and is not contagious. Antifungal shampoos or creams used as body washes are the usual treatment; oral antifungals are sometimes considered for extensive or recurrent cases. Skin color can take months to even out after the yeast is treated, and maintenance use may help prevent recurrence.