SIXTEEN YEARS OF PITYRIASIS VERSICOLOR IN METROPOLITAN AREA OF PORTO ALEGRE, SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Mycology
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia yeasts.
• It is the most common disease attributed to Malassezia.
• Understanding its prevalence and etiological factors is crucial for public health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of pityriasis versicolor in Porto Alegre, Brazil.
• To investigate the etiological aspects of the disease within this population.
• To analyze trends in pityriasis versicolor incidence over a 15-year period.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted.
• Data were collected from a reference hospital in Porto Alegre between 1996 and 2011.
• Patient data included demographics, lesion location, and direct mycological examination results.

Main Results:

• Pityriasis versicolor accounted for 5.8% of positive direct mycological examinations.
• A decreasing trend in prevalence was observed (angular coefficient B = -0.3%/year).
• The disease was more common in men, younger individuals (median age 31), Black and "pardo" individuals, and predominantly affected the trunk.

Conclusions:

• Pityriasis versicolor prevalence is decreasing in Porto Alegre.
• Long-term epidemiological studies are necessary for continued disease monitoring.
• Further research should investigate the reasons behind the declining prevalence.