Exams and Tests

Your doctor may be able to diagnose tinea versicolor based on its appearance or may refer you to a dermatologist, who specializes in skin conditions. The diagnosis of tinea versicolor is confirmed through a skin test in which a sample (scraping) of the infected skin is evaluated.

The test used most often for tinea versicolor is the KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation, which can indicate whether the skin condition is caused by a fungus. This painless, noninvasive test can usually be done in a clinic or doctor's office.

Other tests for tinea versicolor include a Wood's light exam and, in rare cases, a skin culture or biopsy.