What Are the Differences Between Tinea Versicolor and Vitiligo?
Disease description:
I previously developed tinea versicolor due to my work environment. Now I’m resting at home, and friends who see me say I have vitiligo. I’d like to learn about the key differences between tinea versicolor and vitiligo.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Tinea versicolor resembles vitiligo. Tinea versicolor is primarily a fungal skin infection caused by *Malassezia* species, commonly affecting areas with abundant sweating—such as the neck, chest, back, and axillae. Early lesions are small and accompanied by light-colored or whitish macules; symptoms tend to be more pronounced in summer. In contrast, vitiligo is a skin disorder resulting from the destruction of melanocytes, characterized predominantly by depigmented, chalk-white macules or patches. These lesions have a smooth surface and well-defined borders often surrounded by hyperpigmented (brown) rims. Commonly affected sites include the face, dorsum of the hands, and external genitalia.
