Infectious Diseases Search
Infectious Diseases Infectious Diseases
pityriasis%20(tinea)%20versicolor
PITYRIASIS (TINEA) VERSICOLOR
Pityriasis (Tinea) versicolor is a fungal infection caused by Malassezia furfur. It is benign, superficial, and localized to the stratum corneum.
It may present as chronic or recurrent infection and may occur in healthy individuals.
It is more common in summer than winter months.
It presents with multiple well-demarcated macules or patches and finely scaled plaques with hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation, hence the term "versicolor".
Lesions are usually found on the upper trunk, chest, back and shoulders, and may extend toward the neck, face and arms.

Definition

  • Pityriasis (tinea) versicolor is a common, benign, superficial fungal infection localized to the stratum corneum

Etiology

  • Caused by lipophilic yeasts, Malassezia species, part of the normal flora of the human skin

Signs and Symptoms

  • May present as chronic or recurrent infection & may occur in healthy individuals
    • More common in summer than winter months
  • Predominates in young adults when the sebaceous glands are most active
  • Presents w/ multiple well-demarcated macules or patches & finely scaled plaques w/ hypopigmentation orhyperpigmentation, hence the term “versicolor”
  • Tends to be asymptomatic & is mainly a cosmetic concern but pruritus may or may not be present
  • Usually found on the upper trunk, chest, back & shoulders, & may extend towards the neck, face & arms
  • Lesions do not tan along the normal skin

Risk Factors

Risk Factors that Promote Pityriasis (Tinea) Versicolor Infection:

  • High temperature & high humidity
    • Prominent in tropical & subtropical regions
  • Occlusive clothing
  • Oily skin or application of oils to skin
  • Excessive sweating
  • Immunocompromised state, malnutrition & hereditary predisposition
  • Oral corticosteroid intake or Cushing’s disease
Digital Edition
Asia's trusted medical magazine for healthcare professionals. Get your MIMS Infectious Diseases - Malaysia digital copy today!
Sign In To Download
Editor's Recommendations
Most Read Articles
Wearable device facilitates remote patient monitoring in hospital, nontraditional settings
Jairia Dela Cruz, 22 Apr 2020
A wristwatch-like device that monitors pulse, breathing and blood oxygen levels of the user allows physicians to provide care remotely both in hospital and nontraditional settings, and may help in the fight against the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Vaginal cleansing prophylaxis reduces SSIs after Caesarean delivery
Roshini Claire Anthony, 27 May 2020

The use of a vaginal cleansing intervention prior to Caesarean delivery reduced the incidence of surgical site infections (SSIs), according to a study presented at ACOG 2020. However, the addition of intravenous (IV) azithromycin prophylaxis had no added impact on SSI rates. 

COVID-19 more serious in persons with asthma
Pank Jit Sin, 21 May 2020

Persons suffering from asthma should pay particular attention to SARS-CoV-2 precautionary measures such as social distancing, regular handwashing, and wearing of masks on top of keeping their asthma in control. This is because data collected so far paints a bleaker picture for asthmatics than the normal population should they catch COVID-19.

World Federation of Neurology proposes international registries to report neurological manifestations of COVID-19
Natalia Reoutova, 2 days ago

A comprehensive review of neurological disorders reported during the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic demonstrates that infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) affects the central nervous system (CNS), the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and muscles, leading the Environmental Neurology Specialty Group of the World Federation of Neurology to propose implementation of international neurological registries.