Pityriasis Versicolor
Pityriasis
Versicolor
(Other Name: Tinea Versicolor)
Pityriasis
Versicolor is one of the commonest fungal skin infections which causes light or
dark different colored patches on skin that stand out against the background of
surrounding normal skin. The patches may be scaly and it usually affects adults
Pityriasis
Versicolor is caused by a fungus which is normally present on the skin of most
of us. Ordinarily, this fungus, called Malassezia does not result in any
infection but in some cases, it starts multiplying rapidly resulting in patches
with fine scales and one or more colors. Such patches appear over chest, back,
neck, arms, and abdomen but any areas of our bodies might get affected. The
patches are a few mm. to few cm. in size and tend to converge and enlarge. These
patches are generally of a lighter color but may be of dark color, or even red,
brown, or pink varieties. A single patient may develop patches of different
colors simultaneously. The location and appearance of lesions usually alarm the
patients and their families. Some patients often confuse this condition with
leucoderma. Authentic knowledge about the true nature of Pityriasis Versicolor
can save the stress and burden of attempting remedies with questionable outcomes.
That
Pityriasis Versicolor is still so rampant despite its easy diagnosis and
effective treatment shows that public awareness about its causes and preventive
measures is inadequate.
Quick
facts
- Pityriasis Versicolor is not infectious
and hence it cannot be transmitted by a patient to others.
- The cases occur in people of all colors
in almost every part of the world but most of them arise in the tropics. In India,
more than 1 million new cases are
reported every year.
- It is mostly a disease of adults but the
infection can affect any age group in any
gender.
- Hot and humid weather tend to facilitate
development of infection. That explains why lesions tends to disappear spontaneously
in winter and reappear with onset of sweating in summer.
- Generally, an infected person has no
symptoms but some patients might experience itching and a deep concern about discoloration
of their skin. The cause for discoloration is accumulation of products of the causative fungus
Features,
Self Help, & Tips for Prevention
Pityriasis
Versicolor is not an indicator of poor hygiene and does not spread from person
to person.
In
most cases, Pityriasis Versicolor can be diagnosed based on clinical
examination alone. In doubtful cases a simple microscopic or dermoscopic
examination is carried out. In order to exclude leucoderma, a special light
like Wood’s Lamp may be used. Laboratory investigations other than skin
scrapings examination for fungal elements are rarely required.
Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor involves agents that retard growth of fungus, enhance shedding of the infected skin, or kill the fungus. Some of commonly used agents are shampoos, creams, lotions, or foam containing antifungal medication. The medicated shampoo should be left after massage onto the lesions for about 10 minutes or more, with repeat applications as prescribed to get best results. In case you get irritation over skin due to use of medicated shampoo, you can dilute it with plain water. Such applications need to be repeated weekly for several weeks to months.
Anti fungal creams are effective and you should use them on a regular basis. Oral antifungal agents further accelerate recovery process.
Please bear in mind that skin discoloration is unlikely to go away long after the infection has been controlled because color changes are an after effect of infection. The damage to color producing components of skin takes longer to heal than the killing of infection causing microorganisms.
Pityriasis Versicolor is known for recur, and more so with the onset of summer season. Such recurrences can be avoided by adopting simple measures like:
Staying in a cool environment
Avoiding oily skin preparations
Minimizing sweating
Using porous fabrics that are not tight fitting to allow skin ventilation
Preventing malnutrition to maintain a healthy immunity level
Pityriasis Versicolor need not be dreaded
but dealt with appropriate medication and preventive strategy for a complete
and lasting recovery.
Note:
You are permitted to share, distribute, print, or reproduce
this article for private use with proper citation of the source. The article is
a part of our service to fellow human beings as a means of health education and
awareness enhancement to minimize dependence on healthcare
Dr Vinay Kumar
Senior Consultant Dermatologist
vnykmrrr123@gmail.com
www.yourskinmyconcern.com
+91-93 199 299 00
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