[Pityriasis versicolor in infants under one year of age. A report of 92 cases]

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a common world wide mycosis caused by Malassezia spp. and by Malassezia furfur sensu lato. It is uncommon in children and almost always with atypical clinical manifestations. It has been reported as exceptional in children under one year of age.

Objectives: To determine the clinical and epidemiological data of pityriasis versicolor in infants under one year of age.

Methodology: This is a restrospective and transversal study of pityriasis versicolor in the pediatric population studied during one year at the Instituto Dermatologico y Cirugia de Piel in Dominican Republic. Everyone with a Malassezia spp. positive scotch tape test with methylene blue were included.

Results: Among 5160 cases of pityriasis versicolor where 797 were children, we found 92 (11%) cases under one year of age. The clinical manifestations were atypical and the most commonly affected zone was the face (81%) and thorax (16%). Less frequently the neck (8.6%) and upper and lower limbs (5%) were affected.

Conclusions: Pityriasis versicolor in children under one year of age is not exceptional in humid and hot climates. The hypochromic lesions are the main clinical manifestation and the most affected site is the face. Diagnosis is easy and cheap with a positive Malassezia spp. scotch tape test with methylene blue.