Is It a Fungal Infection?
Yes. Pityriasis versicolor is associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the surface of the skin.
Importantly, this is not usually considered a contagious infection because Malassezia is naturally found on the skin of many healthy people.
Hot weather, humidity and excessive sweating can create conditions that encourage the yeast to multiply.
Are White Spots Always Vitiligo?
No. White or light-colored patches do not automatically mean vitiligo.
Several conditions can cause changes in skin pigmentation, including pityriasis versicolor, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation and pityriasis alba. Vitiligo is another possibility, but it has characteristic patterns of depigmentation and should be diagnosed by a healthcare professional.
If the patches are new, spreading rapidly, completely depigmented or otherwise unusual, it is best to consult a dermatologist rather than trying to diagnose the condition based only on appearance.
