SYMPTOM CHECKER: TINEA VERSICOLOR OR DANDRUFF?

Not only do tinea versicolor and dandruff share common roots, they can present similar symptoms. Spot the difference with our guide.
Both tinea versicolor and dandruff are caused by the Malassezia globosa fungus, with minor variations.
Malassezia globosa is present on the skin of all humans, and can exist there without causing any particular harm. Sometimes, however, things don’t go quite so smoothly.
On the scalp, if a person has sensitivity to oleic acid – a by-product of malassezia globosa – it results in dandruff. On the rest of the body, sometimes Malassezia globosa can proliferate out of control, and invade the outermost layer of your skin, causing tinea versicolor.
Both conditions have similar causes, so what separates them?