Características clínico-epidemiológicas de los pacientes con pitiriasis versicolor en un centro de referencia de Colombia / Clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with tinea versicolor in a Colombian reference center

Resumen Objetivo: describir las características socio-demográficas, presentación clínica y condiciones extrínsecas que pueden favorecer el desarrollo de la pitiriasis versicolor. Material y métodos: estudio observacional descriptivo, de corte transversal y prospectivo, en el que se incluyeron pacientes con diagnóstico clínico y micológico de pitiriasis versicolor entre enero y diciembre de 2018, que asistieron al Hospital Universitario Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta. Resultados: se incluyeron un total de 42 pacientes con diagnóstico de pitiriasis versicolor confirmado por examen directo, el 62% fueron hombres con una edad promedio de 33 años. La localización más común fue el tórax anterior (68%) y posterior (65%), en fototipos III y IV (78.5%), con una tonalidad hipocrómica. El 28% presentaron cuadros recurrentes, con síntomas hasta 7 años antes de la consulta. El signo de Besnier fue positivo en el 95% de los casos. El 64% refirió antecedente personal de hiperhidrosis y el 67% practicaba algún deporte como buceo, natación o gimnasia. Discusión: la identificación de las condiciones extrínsecas presentes esta población permite orientar medidas de prevención para evitar recurrencias de pitiriasis versicolor. Los viajes a lugares de clima cálido y la práctica de deportes son factores que favorecen el desarrollo de la micosis. En las formas clínicas atípicas se sugiere realizar siempre el examen micológico directo para confirmar el diagnóstico. El signo de Besnier es una maniobra útil para el diagnóstico clínico de la pitiriasis versicolor, particularmente cuando el acceso al examen directo es limitado.

Abstract Objective: to describe the sociodemographic aspects, clinical presentation and extrinsic conditions that may increase the risk of developing pityriasis versicolor. Materials and methods: a descriptive, cross-sectional and prospective observational study was conducted. Patients with clinical and mycological diagnosis of ptyriasis versicolor were included from january to december 2018 who attended to the Hospital Universitario Centro Dermatológico Federico Lleras Acosta. Results: a total of 42 patients were included in the study, all of them had confirmed mycological diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor. The most common location of the lesions was the anterior thorax (68%) and posterior thorax (65%), in III and IV phototypes (78.5%) with a hypochromic color. 28% had recurrent infection, with symptoms mean of 7 years before the consultation. The Besnier sign was positive in 95% of cases, 64% reported personal history of hyperhidrosis and 67% practiced some sports: diving, swimming and gymnastics. Discussion: recognizing extrinsic conditions that may increase the risk of developing pitiraisis versicolor in this population allows identifying control measures to prevent a relapse. The main factors involved in the development of pitiraisis versicolor were traveling to places with high temperatures and sport practice. In atypical clinical presentation it is mandatory to perform the mycological direct test to confirm the diagnosis. The Besnier sign is a useful method for the clinical diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor, particularly when access to direct examination is limited.

Pityriasis versicolor, aspects épidémio-cliniques, facteurs associés et qualité de vie à Parakou (Bénin) en 2020

Le pityriasis versicolor (PV) est une pathologie cutanée fréquemment rencontrée en consultation dermatologique, surtout dans les pays à climat tropical. Une étude épidémio-clinique, s'intéressant aussi aux comorbidités associées et au retentissement de la maladie a été réalisée. Elle a concerné 118 patients venus consulter dans le service de Dermatologie-Vénérologie au Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Départemental Borgou-Alibori, Bénin. La population la plus touchée était les sujets jeunes avec une fréquence plus élevée chez les 20-30 ans (38,98%). L'âge moyen était de 27,03 ans avec une sex ratio à 1,40. Les antécédents familiaux de pityriasis versicolor ont été retrouvés chez 10 patients soit 8,47%. Comme facteurs favorisants, 57,62% utilisaient les laits corporels dépigmentants. La forme classique (20,37%) était majoritairement représentée. L'acné a été notée chez 19 patients (16,10%). La sérologie VIH était revenue positive chez 4 patients (5,55%) et le diabète a été diagnostiqué chez 3 patients (7,5%). Une altération de la qualité de vie des sujets (35,59%) a été retrouvée.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a cutaneous pathology frequently encountered in dermatological consultations, especially in countries with a tropical climate. An epidemio-clinical study, also questioning the associated comorbidities and the repercussions of the disease, was carried out on 118 patients who came to the Dermatology-Venerology Department at the Borgou-Alibori Departmental University Hospital, Benin. The most affected population was young subjects with a higher frequency in the 20-30 years old (38.98%). The mean age was 27.03 years with a sex ratio of 1.40. Family history was found in 10 patients (8.47%). As contributing factors, 57.62% used depigmenting body milks. The classic form (20.37%) was predominantly represented. Acne was noted in 19 patients (16.10%). HIV serology was positive in 4 patients (5.55%) and diabetes was dignosed in 3 patients (7.5%). A slight alteration in the quality of life of the subjects (35.59%) was found.

Senna alata (akapulko) extract versus topical antifungals for treatment of superficial fungal skin infections: A systematic review and meta-analysis

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><b>OBJECTIVE:</b> The study aimed to assess the efficacy and safety of Senna alata (akapulko) plant extracts compared with topical antifungals in the treatment of superficial fungal skin infections.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>METHODS:</b> A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials that studied patients with diagnosed cutaneous tinea or dermatophytosis (excluding hair and nail), tinea versicolor, or cutaneous candidiasis, via microscopy or culture, and compared the efficacy and safety of S. alata (akapulko) extract versus topical antifungals. Two authors independently screened titles and abstracts of merged search results from electronic databases (The Cochrane Skin Group Specialized Register, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE (January 1990 to December 2011), Health Research and Development Information Network (HERDIN), and reference lists of articles), assessed eligibility, assessed the risk of bias using the domains in the Cochrane Risk Bias tool and collected data using a pretested Data extraction form (DEF). Meta-analyses were performed when feasible.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>RESULTS:</b> We included seven RCTs in the review. There is low certainty of evidence that S. alata 50% lotion is as efficacious as sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion (RR 0.91, 95% CI, 0.79 to 1.04; 4 RCTs, n=216; p=0.15; I2=52%) and high quality evidence that S. alata cream is as efficacious as ketoconazole (RR 0.95, 95% CI, 0.82 to 1.09; 1 RCT, n=40; p=0.44) and terbinafine cream (RR 0.93, 95% CI, 0.86 to 1.01; 1 RCT, n=150; p=0.09) in mycologic cure. For adverse effects, there is very low certainty of evidence of increased harm with S. alata 50% lotion compared to sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion (RR 1.26, 95% CI, 0.46, 3.44; 2 RCTs, n=120; p=0.65; I2=19%). Adverse effects were few and mild.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /><b>CONCLUSION:</b> S. Alata 50% lotion may be as efficacious as sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion and is as efficacious as ketoconazole 2% and terbinafine 1% creams. There is insufficient evidence to compare the safety of S. alata 50% lotion with sodium thiosulfate 25% lotion.</p>

Especies de Malassezia causantes de pitiriasis versicolor en Paraguay / Malassezia species causative of pityriasis versicolor in Paraguay

Resumen Introducción: La pitiriasis versicolor es una patología frecuente en Paraguay; sin embargo, su epidemiologia es desconocida. Objetivo: Determinar la frecuencia de especies de Malassezia causantes de pitiriasis versicolor y las características epidemiológicas de la población. Materiales y Métodos: Se recolectaron muestras de pacientes con diagnóstico presuntivo de pitiriasis versicolor. El diagnóstico de laboratorio se realizó mediante examen en fresco y cultivo en agar Dixon modificado y agar cromogénico Chromagar Malassezia®, incubados a 32°C; y la identificación por las características macro y micromorfológicas, pruebas bioquímicas y fisiológicas. Resultados: Se incluyeron 102 pacientes (51% femenino), de 1 mes a 63 años de edad, predominando el grupo de 11 a 20 años (35,3%). La localización más frecuente fue el dorso (60,8%). Predominaron las formas hipocrómicas (48%). La especie más frecuente fue M. globosa (52,9%), seguida de M. furfur (24,5%), M. sympodialis (18,6%) y M. slooffiae (6,9%). Conclusiones: La epidemiología observada es similar a otros estudios sudamericanos, no hace distinción de sexo, se presenta predominantemente en la forma clínica hipocrómica y M. globosa aparece como principal responsable. Este es el primer reporte sobre las especies causantes de pitiriasis versicolor en Paraguay y las características de la población con esta patología.

Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a frequent pathology in Paraguay; however, its epidemiology is unknown. Aim: To determine the frequency of Malassezia species causing pityriasis versicolor and the epidemiological characteristics of the population. Methods: Samples from patients with a presumptive diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor were collected. Laboratory diagnosis was carried out by fresh examination and culture in modified Dixon agar and chromogenic Chromagar Malassezia®, incubated at 32° C, and identification by macro and micromorphological features, biochemical and physiological tests. Results: 102 patients were included (51% female) from 1 month to 63 years of age, the predominant age group was 11-20 years (35.3%). The most frequent location was on the back (60.8%). Hipocromic clinical forms (48%) predominated. The most frequent species was M. globosa (52.9%), followed by M. furfur (24.5%), M. sympodialis (18.6%) and M. slooffiae (6.9%). Conclusions: The observed epidemiology is similar to other South American studies, with no sex distinction, predominantly hypochromic clinical form and as primary responsible species appears M. globosa. This is the first report on species causing pityriasis versicolor in Paraguay and the characteristics of the affected population.

A Study on Demographic Profile and Risk Factor Association in Pityriasis Versicolor Cases Attending at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Kolkata

Pityriasis versicolor (PV), also known as tinea versicolor, is a chronic, mild, superficial and recurrent infection of the stratum corneum, caused by different Malassezia spp and seen predominantly in young age group and primarily in hot and humid climates. The aim of this study was to analyze epidemiological parameters and risk factors association in clinically diagnosed PV cases and also the mycological evaluation of those PV cases. Methods: A total of 116 patients attending the OPD of Dermatology were included and analysed for detailed history, clinical examination, epidemiological parameters, risk factors and investigations. Skin scrapings collected were processed by direct microscopy with 10% KOH and culture in modified Dixon agar (mDA). Isolates were identified by colony morphology, gram staining, biochemical characteristics & tween assimilation test. Results: Females were more affected (56.03%) than the males (43.97%) with F: M ratio 1.27:1. PV affected most commonly (36.21%) in 11-20 years of age group. Students (32.29%) were affected in maximum. Majority of affected patients (65.52%) used oily body creams, whereas 34.48% cases shared their body towels with others. 10.34% cases were associated with seborrheic dermatitis. Seasonal occurrence mostly seen in May - August. Patients with type III (Medium) complexion (56.03%) with normal skin texture (49.14%) were mostly affected. Maximum patients (74.14%) were associated with excessive sweating. 18.96% patients were associated with Type II DM. Most of the cases presented with macular, scaly hypopigmented, bilaterally asymmetrically distributed and having well defined margin. Neck was the most affected site (28.45%) followed by back (20.69%). Conclusion: M.furfur was the most common isolate (47.06%) followed by M. globosa (24.71%) and M. sympodialis (15.29%).

Systematic review and meta-analysis on oral azoles for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

@#<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Background:</strong> Oral azole drugs are a second-line option for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor but evidence on their efficacy and safety is unclear. Objectives. To determine the efficacy and safety of oral azoles in the treatment of patients with pityriasis Versicolor.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods</strong>: We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, and HERDIN, from inception to the period between January to February 2014. We did not restrict the search by language or publication status. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of oral azoles with placebo or no treatment, with topical agents, other oral azoles or dosing regimens in the treatment of pityriasis Versicolor, and that measured any of the pre-specified outcomes (mycologic cure, clinical cure, recurrence, duration to cure, time-to-cure, and quality of life). For adverse effects, we also included non-randomized studies (NRS). We used Cochrane methods to select studies, extract data, assess the risk of bias, pool studies, and calculate for treatment effects.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results:</strong> We included 38 RCTs (n=2894) and 56 NRS (n=3452). Overall, there were few pooled studies and evidence was low to moderate quality. Oral azoles were more effective than placebo (mycologic cure, RR 11.34, 95% CI 4.90, 26.28; 3 RCTs, n=131; I2=0%; low quality of evidence) and as effective as topical agents (mycologic cure, RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.86, 1.21; 4 RCTs, n=232; I2=60%; moderate quality of evidence).There were few adverse effects and were mostly minor and transient.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Oral azoles may be more effective than placebo, and are probably as effective as topical agents in the treatment of PV. Triazoles are probably as effective as ketoconazole. Adverse effects were few, mostly minor, and transient.</p>

Systemic review and meta-analysis on oral azoles for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor

Background: Oral azole drugs are a second-line option for the treatment of pityriasis versicolor but evidence on their efficacy and safety is unclear.Objectives: To determine the efficacy and safety of oral azoles in the treatment of patients with pityriasis versicolor.Methods: We searched MEDLINE, CENTRAL, EMBASE, LILACS, and HERDIN, from inception to the period between January to February 2014. We did not restrict the search by language or publication status. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared the efficacy of oral azoles with placebo or no treatment, with topical agents, other oral azoles or dosing regimens in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor, and that measured any of the pre-specified outcomes (mycologic cure, clinical cure, recurrence, duration to cure, timeto- cure, and quality of life). For adverse effects, we also included non-randomized studies (NRS). We used Cochrane methods to select studies, extract data, assess risk of bias, pool studies, and calculate for treatment effects.Results: We included 38 RCTs (n=2894) and 56 NRS (n=3452). Overall, there were few pooled studies and evidence was low to moderate quality.Oral azoles were more effective than placebo (mycologic cure, RR 11.34, 95% CI 4.90, 26.28; 3 RCTs, n=131; I2=0%; low quality of evidence) and as effective as topical agents (mycologic cure, RR 1.02, 95% CI 0.86, 1.21; 4 RCTs, n=232; I2=60%; moderate quality of evidence). There were few adverse effects and were mostly minor and transient.Conclusions: Oral azoles may be more effective than placebo, and are probably as effective as topical agents in the treatment of PV. Triazoles are probably as effective as ketoconazole. Adverse effects were few, mostly minor, and transient.

Clinicomycological profile of pityriasis versicolor in Assam.

Background: Geographical variation in the distribution of Malassezia species associated with pityriasis versicolor (PV) has led to the necessity of studying epidemiological, mycological, and clinical characteristics of PV. Aims: To study the epidemiological, mycological, and clinical characteristics of PV in a tertiary care hospital. Settings and Design: The study was carried out with a cross‑sectional design. Materials and Methods: Two hundred and sixty‑two consecutive PV patients were subjected to detailed history, clinical examination, and investigations. Skin scrapings were processed by direct microscopy and culture. Isolates were identified by phenotypic characteristics and polymerase chain reaction‑restriction fragment length polymorphism. Association of Malassezia species with clinical and epidemiological characteristics was studied. Statistical analysis of the data was done using statistical software. Results: Maximum number of PV cases (33.9%) belonged to the age group of 21–30 years with a male preponderance. 61.4% of the patients had a sedentary lifestyle, 70.2% showed the gradual onset of the disease, 51.1% presented with pruritus and in 66.4% of the patients symptoms were continuous. Most commonly involved body site was neck (27.8%), 77.09% of the lesions were bilaterally asymmetrical, 87.4% were macular, and 89.3% were hypopigmented. Malassezia furfur (77.3%) was the predominant species. Sedentary lifestyle (61.4%) and increased sweating (48%) were the most commonly associated predisposing factors. Conclusion: PV is more common in males. Distribution of Malassezia species varies significantly from those reported in other parts of India. M. furfur was the most common species responsible for PV in our region. Hence, further studies are required to evaluate the exact cause of this variation.

Progress in Malassezia Research in Korea

Yeasts of the genus Malassezia are part of the normal flora of human skin. However, they are also associated with various skin diseases. Since the introduction of Malassezia to the Korean Dermatologic Society two decades ago, remarkable progress has been made in our knowledge of this genus. In this paper, we review recent developments in Malassezia research, including taxonomy and methods for species identification, recent genome analyses, Malassezia species distribution in healthy conditions and in specific skin diseases, trials investigating the mechanisms underlying Malassezia-related diseases, as well as therapeutic options. This review will enhance our understanding of Malassezia yeasts and related skin diseases in Korea.

Clinico-epidemiological study of pityriasis versicolor in a rural tertiary care hospital.

Background: The study was conducted to know the incidence of pityriasis versicolor in relation to age, sex, seasons and occupation in a rural set up. Methods: A total of 105 patients of pityriasis versicolor were clinically evaluated and confirmed mycologically at central lab in a tertiary care hospital in South India. The obtained data was recorded and analysed accordingly. Results: Male preponderance was observed in the study. Disease was most pronounced in younger age group (21-30 years) especially students. 61.9% of patients sought medical advice on cosmetic grounds while 38% had pruritis. Chest was the commonest site of affection followed by neck and back. Conclusion: Early identification of the yeast by simple laboratory techniques would help prevent recurrences, systemic complications and cosmetological problems which are high especially among the students and younger age groups.

Pityriasis Versicolor (Tinea Versicolor) Due to Malassezia Furfur: A Case Report

A 22-year-old boy presented with 6 months history of asymptomatic hyperpigmented patches on the upper arms and trunk. Skin scrapings from the patches were subjected to 10% KOH wet mount which showed short, stout, blunt, curved hyphae and clusters of round yeast cells. Culture was put up on Sabouraud dextrose agar with olive oil overlay (SDA-0). Malassezia furfur was isolated from the culture. A diagnosis of Pityriasis versicolor was made which is an emerging fungal infection.

Pityriasis Versicolor Atrophicans / 대한피부과학회지

No abstract available.

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis-like skin eruption in HIV-positive patient

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis-like skin eruption is a rare syndrome that usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiency, predisposing to infections with human papilloma β virus (HPV). We report here a patient with HIV presenting with this syndrome.

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis-like Skin Eruption in an HIV-positive Patient

Epidermodysplasia Verruciformis-like skin eruption is a rare syndrome that usually occurs in patients with immunodeficiency, predisposing them to infections with human papilloma β virus (HPV). We report here an HIV patientpresenting with this syndrome.

Association of pulmonary tuberculosis and dermatological conditions among patients of a rural medical college hospital.

Introduction. Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) affects a significant proportion of the population. There are many contributory aetiological factors common to tuberculosis (TB) and dermatological conditions. Aim. To study the spectrum of concurrent skin conditions in patients with PTB and to compare with patients having other diseases. Methods. All patients with PTB admitted to our Institute during the period of the study were included in the study. A comparable number of patients admitted in other departments constituted the control group. All patients were screened for skin diseases. Results. There were 498 patients in each group, matched for age and gender. There were 126 patients with skin conditions in the study group as against 60 patients in the control group. Pityriasis versicolor was the commonest skin condition in both the groups. Whereas acniform eruptions and pruritis were more common in the control group. Pityriasis versicolor, herpes zoster, erythema nodosum and leprosy were significantly more frequent among patients. Conclusion. There is a high frequency of concurrent skin diseases in patient with PTB that should be managed along with it.

Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor. A Comparative Study of Topical 4% Potassium Hydroxide Solution Versus 1% Clotrimazole Solution.

Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical 4% potassium hydroxide (KOH) solution in the treatment of pityriasis versicolor in comparison with topical 1% clotrimazole solution. Study Design: Single-blinded, comparative therapeutic study. Place of the Study: Department of Dermatology and Venereology – Baghdad Teaching Hospital-Baghdad, between June 2008 and August 2009. Methodology: We included 90 patients divided into 2 groups: group A (4% KOH), Includes 46 patients and group B (1% clotrimazole), and includes forty four patients. Skin scraping test was done for all patients. KOH was applied once daily, while clotrimazole solution twice daily for 2 or 4 weeks according to the response. Results: Eighty patients completed the study; forty in each group. In group A, 31 (77.5%), 8(20%) and 1 (2.5%) patients showed complete, partial and no response respectively after 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, 39 (97.5%) patients showed complete response and 1 (2.5%) patients showed partial response. In group B, 20 (50%), 18 (45%) and 2 (5%) patients showed complete, partial response and no response respectively after 2 weeks. After 4 weeks, 38 (95%) patients showed complete response and 2 (5%) patients showed partial response. There was a significant difference at 2 weeks of treatment. Group A showing a better response than group B (p=0.02). Itching, burning sensation, and erythema were detected in few patients of both groups. Conclusion: Topical 4% potassium hydroxide solution seems to act more rapidly than 1% clotrimazole solution for pityriasis versicolor.

Study of the distribution of Malassezia species in patients with pityriasis versicolor and healthy individuals in Tertiary Care Hospital, Punjab.

Purpose: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a chronic superficial fungal disease caused by Malassezia species. Our aim was to identify Malassezia species from PV patients and healthy individuals in Punjab. Materials and Methods: Modified Dixon agar was used as isolation culture medium. Identification was based on morphological observation and biochemical evaluation. The biochemical evaluation consisted of culture onto Sabouraud dextrose agar, catalase reaction, Tween assimilation, Cremophor EL assimilation, splitting of esculin and growth at 38 0 C. Results: Out of 58 microscopically diagnosed cases of PV, growth was obtained from 54 (93.10%) cases. The most frequently isolated species were M. globosa, M. sympodialis and M. furfur which made up 51.79%, 31.42% and 18.51% of the isolated etiological agents respectively. However, the major isolate from the back of healthy individuals was M. sympodialis (47.61%), followed by M.obtusa (19.04%), M. globosa (14.20%), M. furfur (9.52%), M. pachydermatis (4.76%) and M. slooffiae (4.76%). Conclusions: M. globosa in its mycelial phase was the main etiological agent, but as normal flora from the back of healthy subjects, it was found in significantly less number (P = 0.01), suggesting that the higher pathogenicity of M. globosa in terms of enzymatic endowment, might be the cause of its predominance in PV lesions.

A Case of Pityriasis Versicolor Atrophicans / 대한의진균학회지

We report a case of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans in a 20-year-old woman who presented with chronic multiple brownish atrophic macules and patches on chest and back. The lesions had developed six years ago and the patient had used topical medication including steroid ointments for the last two years prior to visiting our clinic. KOH examination was positive, so skin biopsy was performed and the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor atrophicans was made. Since our patient had applied topical steroids for some time, it was difficult to rule out steroid-induced atrophy in a common tinea versicolor. Also, differential diagnosis was performed with respect to other skin diseases manifesting with cutaneous atrophy including anetoderma.

Atrophying Pityriasis Versicolor / 대한피부과학회지

Atrophying pityriasis versicolor is a rare variant of pityriasis versicolor. Clinically, atrophying pityriasis versicolor is characterized by well defined, slightly scaly, depressed macules and patches with minimal symptoms. The etiology of the atrophy is unknown, though several hypotheses have been suggested, including immune reaction to antigens of Malassezia species. A 23-year-old male was presented with multiple, slightly brown colored macules and patches on the chest and back. In the potassium hydroxide preparation, lots of yeasts and hyphae were found. A histopathologic study showed multiple yeasts and hyphae on the stratum corneum, focal epidermal thinning, and perivascular lymphocytic infiltration on the upper dermis. The patient was treated with 100 mg itraconazole a day with topical antifungal agents. After 3 weeks of treatment, clinical improvement and mycological improvement were achieved. We present an additional case of atrophying piryriasis versicolor developed on the chest and back with the review of the relevant literature.

Skin Characteristics in Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor Using Non-Invasive Method, MPA5

BACKGROUND: Skin pigmentary changes of pityriasis versicolor may occur as either hyperpigmented or hypopigmented lesions, depending on the outcome of interactions between Malassezia yeasts and the skin, such as lipoperoxidation process, stimulus of inflammatory cell to melanocytes, and increased thickness of keratin layer. OBJECTIVE: To investigate skin characteristic factors that enhance the susceptibility to Malassezia yeasts and provoke different color changes of pityriasis versicolor patients. METHODS: To clarify these factors, we investigated the skin characteristics of pityriasis versicolor patients, using a non-invasive method known as MPA 5(R) (Courage and Khazaka, Germany). A total of 90 normal healthy subjects and 30 pityriasis versicolor patients were included in this study. RESULTS: Both hyperpigmented and hypopigmented pityriasis versicolor skin lesions showed higher humidity, increased sebum excretion rate and increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) values than normal healthy subjects. But no significant difference of specific Malassezia yeasts species between hyperpigmented and hypopigmented skin lesions was evident. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that higher humidity and increased sebum level provide a better growing environment of Malassezia yeasts in the skin, leading to the assumption that interaction between Malassezia yeasts and skin barrier materials makes disruption of skin barrier causing increased TEWL.