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Pityriasis Versicolor
Medical Questions » Pityriasis Versicolor
| Name: Pityriasis Versicolor |
| Also known as: Tinea Versicolor |
| A relatively common fungal skin disease of the tropics. |
Causes of Pityriasis Versicolor
A fungal infection that affects young adults more than the elderly and children. The chest, upper arms, neck, upper back and armpits are the most commonly affected areas. |
Symptoms of Pityriasis Versicolor
Pink/brown patches on the skin, which may have a very faint scale upon them. After a few weeks, the skin underlying the rash has less pigment, so the rash appears as white patches which are due to sunlight being unable to tan the skin underlying the fungus. Areas not exposed to sunlight (eg. armpits, breasts) may retain the pink/brown patch appearance. This effect does not occur on Aborigines, Chinese and other dark-skinned races. No other symptoms other than an occasional very mild itch. |
Tests for Pityriasis Versicolor
None normally necessary, but diagnosis can be proved by examining skin scrapings under a microscope. |
Treatment for Pityriasis Versicolor
Regular use of antifungal lotions, rinses or creams. An antifungal tablet (ketaconazole) is used in persistent and widespread cases.
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Complications of Pityriasis Versicolor of its treatment
White patches will remain for some time after the fungus has been destroyed, until the sun tans the area again. |
Likely Outcome of Pityriasis Versicolor
Episodes of infection are quite easy to clear, but often recurs in the next summer. |
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