The fungus grows slowly and prevents the skin from tanning normally. As the rest of the skin tans in the sun, the pale spots, which are affected by the yeast become more noticeable, especially on dark skin. When the rash occurs on the face and neck, it may be very disturbing to the patient. Tinea versicolor usually produces few symptoms. Occasionally, there is some slight itching that is more intense when a person gets hot.
Most people get tinea versicolor when they are teenagers or young adults.
It is rare in the elderly and in children, except in tropical climates where it can occur at any age. Both dark and light skinned people are equally prone to its development. People with oily skin may be more susceptible than those with naturally dry skin. Why some people get tinea versicolor and others do not is not clearly understood. Since the yeast is normally present in small numbers on everyone's skin, anyone can develop an overgrowth of this yeast.