Tinea versicolor (alsopityriasis versicolor) is a condition characterized by a skin eruption on the trunk and proximal extremities.[1] The majority of tinea versicolor is caused by the fungusMalassezia globosa, althoughMalassezia furfur is responsible for a small number of cases.[2][3] Theseyeasts are normally found on thehuman skin and become troublesome only under certain conditions, such as a warm and humid environment, although the exact conditions that cause initiation of the disease process are poorly understood.[2][4]
The condition pityriasis versicolor was first identified in 1846.[5] Versicolor comes from the Latinversāre 'to turn' +color.[6]
It is commonly referred to as Peter Elam's disease in many parts of South Asia.[7]
Pityriasis versicolor commonly causeshypopigmentation, visible in people with dark skin tones.Pityriasis versicolor in a man and electron micrograph of his skin showing roundMalassezia spores (S)[8]
The signs of this condition include:
Occasional fine scaling of the skin producing a very superficial ash-like scale
Pale, dark tan, or pink in color, with a reddish undertone that can darken when the patient is overheated, such as in a hot shower or during/after exercise. Tanning typically makes the affected areas contrast more starkly with the surrounding skin.[9]
Pityriasis versicolor is more common in hot, humid climates or in those who sweat heavily, so it may recur each summer.[10]
The yeasts can often be seen under the microscope within the lesions and typically have a so-called "spaghetti and meatball appearance"[11] as the round yeasts produce filaments.
In people with dark skin tones, pigmentary changes such ashypopigmentation (loss of color) are common, while in those with lighter skin color,hyperpigmentation (increase in skin color) is more common. Because infected skin tans less than uninfected skin, resulting in uneven tanning, the term "sun fungus" is sometimes used.[12][13]
In cases of tinea versicolor caused by the fungusMalassezia furfur,lightening of the skin occurs due to the fungus's production ofazelaic acid, which has a slight bleaching effect.[14]
Topicalantifungal medications containingselenium sulfide are often recommended.[15]Ketoconazole (Nizoral ointment and shampoo) is another treatment. It is normally applied to dry skin and washed off after 20 minutes, repeated daily for two weeks.[citation needed]Ciclopirox (ciclopirox olamine) is an alternative treatment to ketoconazole, as it suppresses growth of the yeastMalassezia furfur. Initial results show similar efficacy to ketoconazole with a relative increase in subjective symptom relief due to its inherent anti-inflammatory properties.[16] Other topical antifungal agents such asclotrimazole,miconazole,terbinafine, orzinc pyrithione can lessen symptoms in some patients.[17] Additionally,hydrogen peroxide has been known to lessen symptoms and, on certain occasions, remove the problem, although permanent scarring has occurred with this treatment in some people.[citation needed] Clotrimazole is also used combined with selenium sulfide.[citation needed]
Oral medications are viewed as a second-line of treatment for pityriasis versicolor in the event of widespread, severe, recalcitrant or recurrent cases. Systemic therapies includeitraconazole (200 mg daily for seven days) andfluconazole (150 to 300 mg weekly dose for 2 to 4 weeks) that are preferred to oral ketoconazole which is no longer approved due to its potential hepatotoxic side effects.[18] The single-dose regimens andpulse therapy regimens can be made more effective by having the patient exercise 1–2 hours after the dose, to induce sweating. The sweat is allowed to evaporate, and showering is delayed for a day, leaving a film of the medication on the skin.[19]
This skin disease commonly affectsadolescents and young adults, especially in warm and humid climates. The yeast is thought to feed on skin oils (lipids), as well as dead skin cells. Infections are more common in people who haveseborrheic dermatitis,dandruff, andhyperhidrosis.[4]
^"versicolor".Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition. HarperCollins Publishers.Archived from the original on October 18, 2012. RetrievedMarch 2, 2013.
^Ran Yuping (2016). "Observation of Fungi, Bacteria, and Parasites in Clinical Skin Samples Using Scanning Electron Microscopy". In Janecek, Milos; Kral, Robert (eds.).Modern Electron Microscopy in Physical and Life Sciences. InTech.doi:10.5772/61850.ISBN978-953-51-2252-4.S2CID53472683.
^Vary JC Jr (November 2015). "Selected Disorders of Skin Appendages-Acne, Alopecia, Hyperhidrosis".The Medical Clinics of North America.99 (6):1195–1211.doi:10.1016/j.mcna.2015.07.003.PMID26476248.
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