Medical Dictionary

tinea versicolor

noun tinea ver·si·col·or \-ˈvər-si-ˌkəl-ər\

Medical Definition of TINEA VERSICOLOR

:  a chronic noninflammatory infection of the skin especially of the trunk that is caused by a lipophilic fungus (Pityrosporum orbiculare synonym Melassezia furfur) and is marked by the formation of irregular macular patches that often appear lighter than the surrounding area if the skin is tanned and may appear darker than the surrounding skin if the skin is not tanned or black—called also pityriasis versicolor

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