Posted by Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
on May 20, 2014
Note: this research was updated in July 2026.
Your skin is home to billions of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, that normally exist in balance.
In people with tinea versicolor, there’s a certain type of yeast species, Malassezia, that can overgrow and interfere with the skin's normal production of pigment. The most common bacteria associated with tinea versicolor are Malassezia globosa, but sometimes M. furfur, M. restricta, and other Malassezia species too. This results in small, discolored patches known as tinea versicolor (also called pityriasis versicolor).
The patches may appear lighter or darker than your surrounding skin and are often found on the back, shoulders, chest, neck, upper arms, and sometimes the face. They may also be mildly itchy, especially in warm or humid weather.
Tinea versicolor occurs most frequently in teenagers and young adults because the skin tends to produce more oil during these years, creating an environment where Malassezia thrives. The condition is not contagious. Even after successful treatment, the yeast remains a normal part of the skin microbiome, which is why tinea versicolor commonly returns, particularly during the warmer months.
What causes Tinea Versicolor? Many factors may trigger the growth of the tinea versicolor fungus:
Tinea versicolor isn't caused by catching a fungus from someone else. Instead, it develops when Malassezia yeast, normally a harmless part of your skin microbiome, grows out of balance. Researchers believe several factors can encourage this overgrowth, including:
1. Hot, humid weather — Warm temperatures and humidity create the ideal environment for Malassezia to thrive. Sun exposure doesn't cause tinea versicolor, but it often makes the lighter patches more noticeable because the surrounding skin tans while the affected areas do not. Limit excessive sun exposure and definitely wear sunscreen, and a non-toxic one at that. UV exposure tans the surrounding skin, making white spots appear more obvious.
2. Excessive sweating — fungus loves humidity. Sweat and moisture create conditions that allow Malassezia to multiply more easily. If you exercise frequently, work outdoors, or sweat heavily, change out of damp clothing as soon as possible. Consider wearing moisture-wicking fabrics, which can also help keep your skin cooler and drier.
3. Weakened immune system — Your immune system plays an important role in keeping naturally occurring microorganisms in balance. About 70% of your body's immune cells reside in your digestive system, specifically the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). This highlights the close connection between gut health and immune function.
Certain medications, illnesses, and repeated antibiotic use may alter both the gut microbiome and immune response, potentially making some people more susceptible to recurrent fungal overgrowth.
Supporting a healthy gut microbiome with beneficial bacteria may help promote normal immune function. Our Glycophagen GI Wellness powdered formula contains targeted probiotics and prebiotic ingredients designed to work from meal to meal by supporting both the small and large intestines.
4. Pregnancy — Hormonal changes during pregnancy can increase the likelihood of developing tinea versicolor.
5. Cushing’s disease — Elevated cortisol levels can affect immune function and increase susceptibility to certain skin infections, including tinea versicolor.
6. Steroid therapy — Corticosteroid medications may alter the skin's immune defenses, increasing the risk of fungal overgrowth in some individuals.
7. Hormonal changes — Puberty, pregnancy, and other hormonal fluctuations can increase oil production in the skin, creating an environment where Malassezia thrives.
Nutrition Tips For Supporting Healthy Skin and a Balanced Immune System
What you eat definitely matters when it comes to treating tinea versicolor.
1. Immune-Boosting Foods — Support your immune system by eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, which are high in immune-supporting vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, and antioxidants. Dark, leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, grapes, tomatoes, and red and orange bell peppers are all great sources of vitamins A, C, and E—all of which are antioxidant powerhouses. Take a look at this list of simple tips for including immune-boosting foods in your diet.
2. Vitamin D — Vitamin D is important for supporting a healthy immune system and healthy skin. Avoiding the sun and always wearing sunscreen is highly recommended with tinea versicolor, making vitamin D even more critical! Please choose your sunscreen wisely.
3. Probiotics — Probiotics are beneficial bacteria, and a high-quality probiotic is great for healthy digestive and immune function. Especially consider a probiotic if you’ve taken antibiotics in the past. Seventy percent of your immune system is based in your intestinal tract, and you want a very strong immune system to keep your body functioning efficiently. Don’t take probiotics on an empty stomach because levels of stomach acid are too high.
Food sources: probiotics in yogurt are a great food-based option for tinea versicolor.
I prefer this Bifidobacteria supplement and this probiotic and prebiotic combo (Oligo-Supreme) that contains two Bifidobacteria strains, five Lactobacillus strains, and one Pediococcus strain.
4. The B Vitamin Biotin — Biotin is important for your skin health. Biotin supports the skin barrier, keratin production, and normal skin health. Here’s an interesting tidbit: probiotics (beneficial bacteria) are able to make biotin. People with tinea versicolor or yeast typically don’t have very many beneficial bacteria in their stomach, so they’re often not producing much biotin. If you take biotin and your probiotic, with time, biotin production by probiotics will be enough, but in the beginning, take biotin to support the removal of harmful bacteria.
5. Vitamin A and Vitamin E — Vitamin A & E are both fat-soluble vitamins and support healthy skin. If you have a digestive condition that doesn’t allow you to absorb fats and/or you minimize your fat intake, consider a high-quality vitamin supplement, like Bio-V.
6. Magnesium — Magnesium supports a healthy mood and emotions. Stress can deplete nutrients needed for healthy skin. Chronic stress can influence immune function and skin health, making stress management an important part of overall wellness.
Why Does Tinea Versicolor Keep Coming Back?
Even after successful treatment, the yeast remains a normal part of the skin microbiome.
That's why recurrence is common, especially during warm, humid months.
Reducing recurrence focuses on:
- keeping skin dry
- minimizing prolonged sweat exposure
- supporting healthy skin barrier function
- following your healthcare provider's maintenance recommendations if flare-ups are frequent
Lifestyle Tips For Managing Tinea Versicolor
1. A Chlorine Shower Filter is highly recommended for people with tinea versicolor. Why? Chlorine dries the skin, which disrupts the skin barrier and can worsen sensitive skin. If your skin is dry, it naturally wants to repair itself and does this by secreting oils all over your skin. That can make things worse. Also, if your skin dries out and you need to moisturize, that prevents your skin from breathing, making you more susceptible to skin fungus and acne.
2. Neem Soap — We often forget the skin is the body’s largest organ. Tinea versicolor and your immune system must be treated together for healthy looking skin. In the shower, wash yourself with a natural soap—Neem Soap. Research supports neem's antifungal activity.
3. Saprox — Saprox is 100% natural clay containing sulphur, other minerals, humic acids, essential oils, and other beneficial organic substances commonly purchased for the treatment of tinea versicolor. The ingredients are natural, unlike some other over-the-counter skin products currently on the market. I prefer Moor Mud Saprox.
Before using Saprox, definitely ensure your skin is completely dry before applying it. Apply to the tinea in an even, thin layer according to the instructions on the product. Let it dry (approx. 15 minutes). After it dries, you can use a damp towel and wash it off, or jump back into the shower and rinse it off. Don’t use soap again. Apply for two weeks on troubled areas and itching should be gone.
Give the melanin (white spots) a month or two to restore and heal itself. I will also emphasize staying out of the sun and always wearing sunscreen (benzone free and paraben free).
Conventional treatment typically includes topical antifungal creams, shampoos (such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide), or oral antifungal medications for more extensive cases. Nutrition and lifestyle strategies may help support healthy skin and reduce recurrence, but they are best viewed as complementary to appropriate medical care rather than replacements.
Please keep me posted, and if you have any questions, let me know.
In Health and Happiness,
Kelly Harrington, MS, RDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist for Healthy Goods
FAQ
Is tinea versicolor contagious? No.
Can diet cure tinea versicolor? No. But nutrition may support immune function and healthy skin.
Can probiotics help tinea versicolor? Emerging evidence suggests they may support immune health and the skin microbiome, but more research is needed before they can be recommended as a treatment.
Why are the white spots still there? Pigment cells need time. Even after the yeast is gone the pigment takes weeks to months to normalize. See the tips above to support your skin health.
