OVERVIEW

What is Pityriasis versicolar?

Pityriasis versicicolar is fungal infection of skin and also called tinea versicolar. It is characterized by change in color of skin. It is common in people who live in hot and humid environment. It is not contagious. It responds well to treatment. Sometimes it can reappear.

CAUSES

What is cause of Pityriasis versicolar ?

It is caused by a fungus Malassezia, which lives on people’s skin as commensal and doesn’t cause any problem normally. But in some people specially those who live in hot and humid environment it causes infection. Adolescent and young adults are most commonly affected. Immunos uppression, oral contraceptive therapy, malnutrition are other risk factors. It doesn’t spread one person to another. It is more common in summer months.

Symptoms

How does Pityriasis versicolar look?

It presents as hypopigmented, hyperpigmented or erythematous patches. Some lesions may have fine scales. Hyperpigmented type has light brown color lesions in light skinned people and dark brown or gray black colored lesions in dark skin people. Most common affected sites are upper trunk, shoulders, and arms. Face and folds are less commonly involved. All these sites are rich in oil glands. Mostly it is asymptomatic except color change but sometimes mild itching may occur.

TREATMENT

How to diagnose Pityriasis Versicolar?

Dermatologist diagnoses it clinically. Sometimes to rule out other causes of change in color there is a test for Pityriasis versicolar, KOH mount can be done. It is quick and easy to do. Woods lamp examination and dermoscopy can also be done.

What is the treatment of Pityriasis versicolar?

Sometimes it is self-resolving and doesn’t require any treatment. But recurrence can occur.
Most of cases can be treated by topical antifungal therapies- cream or shampoo.
Adult patient with extensive disease or those who didn’t respond to topical creams may need oral antifungal.

TIPS

• Avoid long collection of sweat on infection areas.
• Keep skin clean and dry.
• Don’t use steroid creams on lesions. It is not an allergy.

FAQs

Can it be confused with leukoderma or vitiligo?

Yes at early stage, vitiligo may look like pityriasis versicolar. But vitiligo will show gradual increase in depigmentation. In vitiligo other sites may also be affected.

What is the duration of treatment of Pityriasis versicolar?

Active infection will be treated with one or two dose of antifungals. Color change in skin may take time of 2-3 months to return to normal.

Can tineaversicolor be prevented?

Recurrence is common. In such cases preventive treatment can be used.

Why to choose DrKothiwalaSkinEva Clinic for treatment of Pityriasis Versicolar?

• Consultation with best dermatologist in Jaipur, Dr Sunil Kothiwala MD, (AIIMS).
• Accurate diagnosis
• If required all diagnostic modalities are available.
• Short and quick treratment which gives long relief.

For more information on Pityriasis Versicolor or to inquire about other services please contact us on 7669571405.