Fungus can cause skin discoloration, and while it's more common for the skin to get lighter, it can also sometimes get darker.
How Fungus Affects Skin Color
The overgrowth of certain fungi, like that which causes tinea versicolor, can lead to changes in skin pigmentation. According to research, these changes manifest as:
- Lighter patches: This is the more common outcome. The affected skin may appear white, light tan, or pink.
- Darker patches: Although less frequent, the fungal infection can sometimes cause the skin to become brown, red, or yellow.
Tinea Versicolor and Skin Darkening
Tinea versicolor is a common fungal infection that is known to cause these skin changes. While the infection is often associated with lighter patches, it can also result in darker skin patches.
Here's how it manifests, based on the reference:
| Skin Tone | Appearance of Tinea Versicolor |
|---|---|
| Lighter Skin | White, Pink, Red, Brown, Light Tan or Yellow |
| Darker Skin | White or Light Tan |
Examples of Fungal Skin Discoloration
- Darkened patches on fair skin: A person with light skin might experience small, round patches of skin that are darker brown or even reddish due to a fungal infection.
- Lightened patches on dark skin: Conversely, someone with dark skin is more likely to develop white or light tan patches because of fungal overgrowth.
Key Takeaway
While fungal infections often cause skin to become lighter, they can also cause the skin to darken. The specific change in pigmentation depends on the type of fungus and individual skin tone. So, yes, fungus can darken skin.
