What is tinea versicolor primarily associated with?

Tinea versicolor is primarily associated with decreased melanin production in the affected areas of the skin. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that is normally found on the skin, which leads to the disruption of melanin production by the melanocytes. The result is hypopigmented (lighter) or hyperpigmented (darker) patches on the skin, depending on the individual’s skin tone and how the yeast affects melanin production.

The relationship between the yeast and melanin can lead to an uneven distribution of color, making the condition particularly noticeable in individuals with naturally darker skin. It is important to recognize that this is not due to an increase of melanin production, which would lead to darker patches, but rather a decrease, causing those patches to stand out against the surrounding skin. Additionally, the condition is not related to hair follicle health or an overproduction of skin oil, as its primary cause is the fungal imbalance affecting pigmentation rather than oil secretion or hair structure.