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[Pityriasis versicolor in Greece and its predisposition factors]
Summary
Pityriasis versicolor primarily affects young adults, with higher incidence in summer and fall. A 1% selenium disulfide suspension showed limited effectiveness in treating this common fungal skin infection, leading to frequent relapses.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection.
- Understanding its epidemiological factors and effective treatments is crucial for public health.
Purpose:
- To investigate the age and seasonal distribution of pityriasis versicolor in Greece.
- To analyze sweat pH, Na+, K+ ions, and skin microbial flora in patients.
- To evaluate the efficacy of a 1% selenium disulfide suspension in treatment.
Summary:
- The study analyzed 2610 pityriasis versicolor patients, finding peak incidence in the 20-29 and 30-39 age groups, predominantly during summer and fall.
- While altered sweat pH was observed in patients compared to controls, Na+ and K+ ion levels and skin microbial flora showed no significant differences.
- A 1% selenium disulfide suspension demonstrated limited effectiveness, with a high relapse rate observed, suggesting its relative ineffectiveness for treating pityriasis versicolor.
Impact:
- Highlights the importance of age and season in pityriasis versicolor occurrence.
- Identifies potential but unconfirmed role of sweat pH.
- Questions the clinical utility of 1% selenium disulfide suspension, necessitating exploration of alternative treatments.