Tinea versicolor is caused by

• A. A viral infection
• B. A bacterial infection
• C. A fungal infection caused by yeast
• D. An autoimmune condition

Answer: (C)

Tinea versicolor is a fungal infection caused by yeast. Specifically, Malassezia species are lipophilic yeasts that normally live on the skin but can overgrow in hot, humid conditions or with oily skin. When they overgrow in the outer skin layer, they metabolize lipids and produce acids that disrupt pigment production in melanocytes, leading to lighter or darker patches on the trunk and shoulders. It’s not caused by a virus, bacteria, or an autoimmune process. Diagnosis is often clinical and supported by tools like a KOH prep or Wood’s lamp, and treatment uses antifungal agents such as selenium sulfide or ketoconazole topically, with oral antifungals reserved for more extensive cases.