Pityriasis Versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial mycosis, worldwide distribution, caused by a yeast fungi of the genus Malassezia sp., dimorphic species, among which Malassezia furfur and Malassezia globosa stand out as the main isolated agents in humans. Many of these causative agents of P. versicolor have lipases and keratinases, enzymes that contribute to their virulence capacity. The diagnosis is made based on the clinical characteristics, Wood’s ultraviolet lamp, and direct mycological examination. Treatment is mainly topical with azole derivates, 20% sodium hyposulfite, salicylic acid-based solutions or soaps, 50% propylene glycol, sulfur preparations, cyclopyroxolamin, solutions based on 2% ketononazole, and also systemic treatment such as itraconazole 100–200 mg.