B36: Other superficial mycoses

B36.0: Pityriasis versicolor

Many different germs, mainly bacteria, are found on normal skin. There is normally a certain balance between them. Many of these germs are also beneficial for the skin.

There are also usually certain yeasts on the skin, particularly on the chest and back. These yeasts feed on the fat on the skin and they are usually harmless. If the skin is very greasy and moist, the fungi can multiply rapidly. Oily toiletries or heavy sweating, for example, can favor this reproduction.

In your case, these yeasts have multiplied so much that you can see dark spots on your skin. These dark spots can sometimes spread across a large area of skin. In those areas the skin is often flaky. The skin is sometimes itchy.

This skin condition is usually harmless.