Tinea versicolor (Pityriasis versicolor)
Summary
This is an article that describes the basic concepts of Tinea versicolor.
Basics
This is a superficial cutaneous infection caused by a fungus. The majority is caused by Malassezia globosa, with a smaller number of cases caused by Malassezia furfur.
Description
- Round macules which are usually lighter than normal skin (hypopigmented macules). However, sometimes they may be darker.
- Mostly found on the upper chest and back. Less commonly found on the neck, face, abdomen, and upper limbs.
- As the disease progresses, more central macules join together while new peripheral macules are formed.
Management
General
- Avoid wearing heavy clothes in hot weather to reduce perspiration.
Medical
- Selenium sulfide 2.5% suspension, applied to the affected parts. Apply it daily for 3 successive days and leave on for 30 minutes then wash it off. An alternative would be to apply it once weekly for 3 weeks and leave on overnight and then wash it off.
References and Further Reading
1. The National Department of Health, South Africa: Essential Drugs
Programme. Primary Healthcare Standard Treatment Guideline and
Essential Medicine List. 7th ed. South African National Department of Health;
2020.
2. Figure 1: Sarahrosenau. Tinea versicolor. CC BY-SA 2.0.
3. Figure 2: Grook Da Oger. Pityriasis versicolor frontal retouche. CC BY-SA 3.0.
2. Figure 1: Sarahrosenau. Tinea versicolor. CC BY-SA 2.0.
3. Figure 2: Grook Da Oger. Pityriasis versicolor frontal retouche. CC BY-SA 3.0.
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