Can white spots in skin be fungal infection? – Dr. Madhu SM

There are many causes for white spots in the skin and fungal infection is one of them. There is an infection called as tinea versicolor and pityriasis versicolor. Basically it is a yeast infection in a hot and humid condition these yeasts can grow and give rise to tinea versicolor. So generally what happens is when the skin gets exposed to the sun, there is more pigment production by melanocytes. However these yeasts or fungi, they release carboxylic acid, which inhibits pigment production. So these skin lesions, they look paler than the surrounding skin. So these skin lesions they look hypopigmented or pale coloured skin lesions and they are generally scaly or they can be mildly itchy lesions. They commonly occur on the face, neck, chest and back area. If these lesions are left untreated for a long time, they can persist for a long time. Hence if you do have any white patches please do visit your dermatologist for further management and treatment.