User:Mr. Ibrahem/Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor, also known as tinea versicolor, is a superficial fungal infection of the skin, characterized by either reddish-brown, dark or light, slightly scaly marks on the skin. It most commonly affects the upper arms and legs, chest, back, and neck. The marks may be discrete or merged together and there may be a mild itch.

It is caused by the yeast Malassezia, formerly known as Pityrosporum. These yeast are normally found on the human skin and become troublesome only under certain circumstances, such as a warm and humid environment. Other risk factors include pregnancy and immunodeficiency. The disease does not spread between people.

Diagnosis is usually by the appearance of the rash. The marks fluoresce yellow with a Wood's lamp. Direct microscopy may show a "spaghetti and meatballs appearance" of the spores and short filaments. Vitiligo and chloasma do not scale, but otherwise may appear similar. Treatment options include selenium sulfide shampoo, and other creams and shampoos containing antifungals such as clotrimazole 1% or ketoconazole 2%. If this is not effective antifungals by mouth may be used. While the disease is not serious, it may recur.

Pityriasis versicolor is common. Rates are as high as 50% in tropical countries. It is more common during the summer. Males and females are affected equally. The condition was first identified in 1846. Versicolor comes from the Latin, from versāre "to turn" and "color".