When the yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor.
We all have yeast living on our skin. Yeast is a type of fungus. When the yeast grows out of control, a person can get a skin disease called tinea versicolor. Tinea versicolor is not contagious. You cannot get tinea versicolor from someone else. You cannot give it to someone.
Many people get tinea versicolor. It is one of the most common skin diseases in tropical and subtropical areas of the world. People who live in tropical areas may have tinea versicolor year-round.