Pityriasis versicolor Flashcards
Define pityriasis versicolor.
Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, is a common superficial fungal infection of the stratum corneum, resulting from a change to the mycelial (filamentous fungus or mould) state of dimorphic yeasts of the genus Malassezia.
What is the aetiology of pityriasis versicolor?
PV is a superficial fungal infection resulting from a change to the mycelial state of dimorphic lipophilic yeasts of the genus Malassezia that colonise the stratum corneum and are normal skin flora.
This is not due to poor hygiene and is not contagious.
What are risk factors for pityriasis versicolor?
High ambient temperature and humidity
Adolescent and young adult age
Hyperhidrosis
Systemic corticosteroid or other immunosuppressant use
Participation in athletics
Greasy skin
Summarise the epidemiology of pityriasis versicolor.
PV is most common in hot and humid climates, where prevalence may be as high as 50%.
What are signs and symptoms of pityriasis versicolor?
Dyspigmentation
Macules or patches
Seborrhoeic distribution
Fine overlying scale
What are investigations for pityriasis versicolor?
CLINICAL DIAGNOSIS
Potassium hydroxide microscopy to aid if unclear
What is the management for pityriasis versicolor?
Topical antifungal
What are complications associated with pityriasis versicolor? What is the prognosis of pityriasis versicolor?
Will not go away by itself.
Can take up to 6 weeks to resolve and prognosis is usually very good.
