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Pityriasis versicolor
Aditya K Gupta1, Roma Batra, Robyn Bluhm
1Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Science Center (Sunnybrook Site), University of Toronto, 2075 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, Ontario M4N 3M5, Canada. agupta@execulink.com
Dermatologic Clinics
|September 6, 2003
Summary
Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal infection causing skin discoloration. Antifungal treatments are effective but recurrence is possible in some patients.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
Background:
- Pityriasis versicolor is a mild, chronic skin condition.
- It presents as scaly, discolored lesions on the trunk, influenced by climate.
- Adolescence is a common onset period due to increased sebaceous gland activity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pathogenesis and treatment of pityriasis versicolor.
- To highlight the role of Malassezia yeasts in disease development.
- To discuss the efficacy and recurrence patterns of antifungal treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of pityriasis versicolor.
- Analysis of the role of Malassezia yeast in pathogenesis.
- Evaluation of antifungal treatment outcomes.
Main Results:
- Malassezia yeasts, particularly their mycelial form, are implicated in pityriasis versicolor lesions.
- Antifungal preparations demonstrate effectiveness in treating initial presentations.
- A proportion of patients experience disease recurrence despite initial treatment.
Conclusions:
- Pityriasis versicolor is effectively managed with antifungals, but recurrence necessitates ongoing awareness.
- The pathogenesis involves Malassezia yeast, with lesion appearance varying by climate.
- Available antifungal formulations are safe and widely used.
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