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Pityriasis versicolor

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
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.

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