Pityriasis Versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor

       Pityriasis versicolor is a skin disease provoked by fungi named Pityrosporum orbiculare or the newly discovered Malassezia globosa. We all have these fungi on the surface of our skin, but once any of them enters our body, it triggers symptoms like rash, irregular spots and a characteristic color pale or pink. They appear especially on the extremities, back and chest but can also be observed on the patient's face. The change of color depends on the original skin tone. While those with darker skin experiment hypo pigmentation, those who have a lighter one suffer from hyper pigmentation.

       Anyone can suffer from this disease, but there are some persons who are more likely to have it. Teenagers are exposed to Pityriasis versicolor because of the increased sweating and production of sebum, but on the other hand, the illness is not contagious, so that no one from the same entourage is at risk of infection.

       This affliction is usually diagnosed after a microscopic examination performed by the doctor who will also prescribe an adequate treatment like shampoo or cream which contain ketoconazole. In some cases, a better solution is itraconazole. A future recurrence is prevented by using the shampoo permanently, especially in spring, when the skin is more vulnerable to this disease