Pityriasis%20(tinea)%20versicolor%20(pediatric) Diagnosis
Laboratory Tests
Microscopy
- Potassium hydroxide (KOH) examination of skin scrapings should confirm the diagnosis
- Scales or debris are mounted in 10-15% KOH solution & viewed under light microscope
- Short stubby hyphae & yeast cells will be visible (appears as “spaghetti & meatballs”)
Culture
- Culture is not usually helpful because Malassezia spp is difficult to grow as it is part of the normal flora
Wood’s Light Exam
- Malassezia spp shows pale yellow to white fluorescence on Wood’s light exam