Overview
Pityriasis versicolor is a common, benign, superficial fungal infection
localized to the stratum corneum, as stated in the Introduction section.
Tinea versicolor occurs worldwide but is more common in summer than
winter months. A detailed
discussion about the prevalence of pityriasis versicolor is in the Epidemiology section.
Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a lipophilic yeast, Malassezia
spp, as stated in the Etiology section.
The Pathophysiology section states that the transformation of Malassezia from its
normal yeast form into a pathogenic, filamentous (mycelial) form is the key
event that triggers tinea versicolor. The developmental process of pityriasis
versicolor is in this section.
The Risk Factors section enumerates the conditions that
promote pityriasis versicolor infection.
Pityriasis Versicolor_Disease SummaryHistory and Physical Examination
The Clinical Presentation section describes the clinical features
suggestive of tinea versicolor in affected persons.
The History section and the Physical Examination section
emphasize the importance of a careful history and evaluation in patients
suspected of tinea versicolor.
Diagnosis
Discussions on microscopy, culture, and Wood’s light exam in
the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor are in the Laboratory Tests and Ancillaries section.
Other conditions with similar appearance to tinea versicolor
are listed in the Differential Diagnosis
section.
Management
General therapy principles and management of pityriasis
versicolor are in the Principles of Therapy section.
The Pharmacological
Therapy section discusses treatment
options such as topical and oral antifungals, Selenium sulfide and imidazoles
used in the management of pityriasis versicolor.
The Nonpharmacological
section includes things to educate the patient about the
management of pityriasis versicolor.
The Monitoring section enumerates several indications for
considering a dermatology referral in patients with tinea versicolor.