When viewing this topic in a different language, you may notice some differences in the way the content is structured, but it still reflects the latest evidence-based guidance.

Pityriasis versicolor

Last reviewed: 3 Apr 2025
Last updated: 23 Oct 2024

Summary

Definition

History and exam

Key diagnostic factors

  • adolescent and young adult age
  • history of living in area of high temperature and humidity
  • susceptible skin characteristics
  • positive drug history
  • lack of pruritus or pain
  • dyspigmentation
  • macules or patches
  • seborrheic distribution
  • fine overlying scale
Full details

Other diagnostic factors

  • yellow fluorescence under Wood lamp exam
Full details

Risk factors

  • high ambient temperature and humidity
  • adolescent and young adult age
  • hyperhidrosis
  • systemic corticosteroid or other immunosuppressant use
  • participation in athletics
  • greasy skin
  • family history of PV
  • malnutrition
  • use of oral contraceptives
  • HIV infection and other immunosuppressive conditions
  • use of occlusive ointments or creams
Full details

Diagnostic tests

1st tests to order

  • microscopic exam with potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation
Full details

Tests to consider

  • skin biopsy
  • culture
  • Gram stain
Full details

Treatment algorithm

ACUTE

nonpregnant

pregnant

ONGOING

recurrent disease after successful pathogen eradication

Contributors

Authors

Brian L. Swick, MD
Brian L. Swick

Clinical Professor

Departments of Dermatology and Pathology

University of Iowa

Iowa City

IA

Disclosures

BLS declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

Nnenna Agim, MD, FAAD

Associate Professor of Dermatology

University of Texas Southwestern

Dallas

TX

Disclosures

NA declares that she has no competing interests.

Helen Goodyear, MBChB, MRCP, FRCPCH, MD, MMed

Consultant Paediatrician

Heartlands Hospital

Birmingham

UK

Disclosures

HG declares that she has no competing interests.

References

Our in-house evidence and editorial teams collaborate with international expert contributors and peer reviewers to ensure that we provide access to the most clinically relevant information possible.

Key articles

Schwartz RA. Superficial fungal infections. Lancet. 2004 Sep 25-Oct 1;364(9440):1173-82. Abstract

Gupta AK, Bluhm R, Summerbell R. Pityriasis versicolor. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2002 Jan;16(1):19-33. Abstract

Drake LA, Dinehart SM, Farmer ER, et al. Guidelines of care for superficial mycotic infections of the skin: pityriasis (tinea) versicolor. Guidelines/Outcomes Committee. American Academy of Dermatology. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1996 Feb;34(2 Pt 1):287-9.

Reference articles

A full list of sources referenced in this topic is available to users with access to all of BMJ Best Practice.

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer