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Pityriasis (tinea) versicolor in infancy
1Department of Dermatology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India.
Insights
Pityriasis versicolor, a common adult skin condition, was observed in five infants. Diagnosis was confirmed via microscopic examination of skin scrapings showing yeast.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Mycology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection typically affecting adults.
- The condition is caused by Malassezia yeasts, which are part of the normal skin flora.
- Infantile pityriasis versicolor is considered rare, with limited case reports in medical literature.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report on a series of five infant cases of pityriasis versicolor.
- To describe the clinical presentation and diagnostic findings in affected infants.
- To highlight the occurrence of pityriasis versicolor in the neonatal period and its potential associations.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case review of five infants diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor.
- Diagnosis confirmed by potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation of skin scrapings.
- Microscopic examination to identify the characteristic yeast and hyphal forms of Malassezia species (Malassezia furfur and/or Pityrosporum orbiculare).
Main Results:
- Five infants (four males, one female) were diagnosed with pityriasis versicolor.
- Three infants presented with lesions during the neonatal period.
- Associated factors included maternal infection (one case), sibling diagnosis (two cases), and a history of atopy (one case with atopic dermatitis, two with family history).
Conclusions:
- Pityriasis versicolor can occur in infants, including the neonatal period, although it is uncommon.
- Diagnostic confirmation relies on KOH preparation revealing Malassezia yeast.
- The condition may be associated with familial predisposition or other atopic conditions.
Abstract:
Pityriasis (tinea) versicolor is a common disorder of adults. We cared for five infants (four males and one female) with the disease. Diagnosis was confirmed by potassium hydroxide preparation demonstrating the filaments of Malassezia furfur and/or Pityrosporum orbiculare, the yeast form. Three patients had lesions in the neonatal period. The mother of one baby had pityriasis versicolor. Two patients were siblings. One baby had associated atopic dermatitis and two had a positive family history of atopy.