What it is
It is treated with antifungal shampoo, cream or sometimes tablets.
Skin colour can take months to return to normal after the infection has gone, and it often comes back, especially in summer.
Common signs
- Patches of lighter, darker, pink or brown skin
- Patches that may join together
- Mild itching
- Patches more noticeable after a tan
How it is usually diagnosed
- Looking at the skin
- Sometimes a skin scraping or a UV lamp examination
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- GP or dermatology notes
- Skin scraping results
- Prescriptions
Questions to ask your doctor
- How long should I use the treatment?
- How can I stop it coming back?
- When will my skin colour return?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Patches spreading quickly despite treatment, especially with a weakened immune system: see a GP soon
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.