Pityriasis versicolor

Abstract

Pityriasis versicolor is a mild or chronic condition characterized by scaly hypopigmented or hyperpigmented lesions usually affecting the trunk. The lesions vary depending on tropical or temperate climates. The disease seems to occur mainly at adolescence when the sebaceous glands are more active. Malassezia yeasts have been implicated in the pathogenesis of this disease. The mycelial form of the fungus has been suggested to be the cause of lesions. Antifungal preparations have been used to treat the initial presentation effectively, although in a proportion of patients the disease tends to reoccur. They are available in a wide range of formulations and have been shown to be safe.

Skin diseases associated with Malassezia species

“…[155][156][157] Zinc pyrithione is particularly effective in SD/D, because of both potent antimicrobial (effective against bacteria and fungi) and anti-inflammatory activities, killing Malassezia and causing a decrease in IL-1 release from cultured keratinocytes. 158 Specific antifungal agents used for the topical treatment of Malassezia infections, particularly pityriasis versicolor and SD, include the azoles (ketoconazole, bifonazole, clotrimazole, itraconazole, fluconazole, miconazole, econazole, fenticonazole, metronidazole, sulconazole, tioconazole, imidazole), 159,160,161 hydroxypyridones (ciclopirox olamine), 162 allylamines (terbinafine), 163 benzylamines (butenafine), 164 tacrolimus, 165,166 and pimecrolimus. 165 Several oral agents have also been used successfully to treat Malassezia infections.…”

Biofilm Formation by Malassezia Furfur/Ovale as a Possible Mechanism of Pathogenesis in Tinea Versicolor

“…Both of these conditions are known to contribute to immunosuppression which may explain their prevalence in our TV patients [13,14]. Despite the fact that the majority of our patients were male, TV has not been shown to have a propensity for either sex overall [15]. Exogenous factors such as sunlight, corticosteroids, and oil-based products encourage the growth of Malassezia yeast forms [12].…”

Skin Conditions of Baseball, Cricket, and Softball Players

“…Anabolic steroid use promotes infection by increasing sebum production, creating an ideal environment for Malassezia growth [34][35][36][37][38]. Characteristic lesions appear as well defined, hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, or pink coalescent macules and patches forming geometric patterns on the upper trunk, proximal arms, and neck in adolescents and adults and the face in children [39,40]. Fine powdery scaling is present in active infection and more easily revealed by stretching and scratching the lesions.…”

“…Ketoconazole is often avoided because of its black box warning of fatal hepatitis in 134 cases per 100,000 personmonths [46]. Multiple randomized trials have reported 70-100 % mycologic cure with 200 mg itraconazole daily for 7 days [39]. In a randomized, open-label trial, a single 400-mg dose of itraconazole was as effective as 200 mg daily for 7 days [47].…”