How can i tell tinea versicolor from vitiligo?

No scale in vitiligo: Both can whitish but there is no scale in vitiligo. Vitiligo rarely itches. Tinea versicolor usually occurs in areas of the trunk or close to the trunk. It occurs primarily in oily areas and more common in summer/ warm and humid months.

Simple: You can have a dermatologist perform a skin scraping as well as you can try anti-fungal shampoos or lotions. If it resolves with anti-fungal therapy it is tinea versicolor. Vitiligo is a permanent autoimmune disease where the melanin is lost for good.