Tinea Versicolor

Excerpt

Tinea versicolor, or pityriasis versicolor, is a common, benign, superficial fungal skin infection. Saprophytic, lipid-dependent yeast from the genus Malassezia, previously Pityrosporum, are the causative organisms and part of the normal skin flora. Tinea versicolor is not a dermatophyte infection like other forms of tinea. Clinical features are either hyperpigmented or hypopigmented macules with fine overlying scales. The most frequently affected sites are the trunk, neck, and proximal extremities. The diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor is typically clinical. When the diagnosis is uncertain, a Wood's lamp and microscopic examination of scales soaked in potassium hydroxide may be helpful. Medical treatment is effective for tinea versicolor; however, the condition often returns, so preventive medicine may be essential over a more extended period. This topic discusses the etiology, diagnosis, and management of tinea versicolor.