What type of skin condition results in discolored patches due to a fungal infection?

The presence of discolored patches on the skin due to a fungal infection specifically indicates tinea versicolor, which is a common skin condition. This condition is caused by an overgrowth of a type of yeast that is normally found on the skin. It leads to the disruption of normal pigmentation in the affected areas, resulting in lighter or darker patches that can vary in color, especially in sun-exposed areas.

It's important to differentiate this condition from other skin issues. Viral infections typically manifest with symptoms such as blisters or warts and are not associated with discoloration in the patchy manner characteristic of tinea versicolor. Contact dermatitis is a reaction of the skin to irritants or allergens, presenting as inflammation, redness, and sometimes blisters—but not specifically discoloration from a fungal cause. Eczema is primarily an inflammatory condition that leads to red, itchy patches of skin, and while it can sometimes result in discoloration, it is not associated with fungal infections. Therefore, the defining characteristics of tinea versicolor, namely its fungal infection origin and resulting discolored patches, make it the correct answer.