Tinea Versicolor

Tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) is chronic superficial stratum corneum infection by lipophilic Pityrosporum; asymptomatic or mild itch. Chronic infection/malnutrition predispose. Yellow-brown/dark brown patches with fine branny scale.

Common Symptoms

Macule; papule; scale; station doctor; groin itch; back vesicles; pruritus

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum), commensal; 92% of normal scalps carry it. Lipophilic; yeasts transform to pathogenic hyphae under steroids/oils/chronic infection/hyperhidrosis. Worldwide; tropics 50% attack rate; southern > northern China; adults > children, men > women. Direct/indirect contact; no animal infection. Dicarboxylic acids inhibit melanocytes → hypopigmentation. P. orbiculare/P. ovale = same species. (2) Pathogenesis: lipodystrophy; seborrheic areas; hypopigmentation.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Good hygiene; nutrition; watch steroid-treated patients. Topical: 25-40% sodium thiosulfate then 3% HCl; 10% acetic acid; 1% clotrimazole/econazole twice daily; continue 2 weeks post-healing; antifungal underwear; oral ketoconazole prophylaxis; boil/iron/formaldehyde disinfection of clothing.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Dermatology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.