Last reviewed: 22 Nov 2024
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
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.
Differentials
- Vitiligo
- Tinea corporis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
More DifferentialsGuidelines
- Guidelines of care for superficial mycotic infections of the skin: pityriasis (tinea) versicolor
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