Clinical profile of patients with tinea versicolor

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by the polymorphous endogenous yeast <em>Malassezia furfur</em>. Infection typically occurs on the trunk and proximal upper extremities and is characterized by distinctive scaly, coalescent hyperpigmented and/or hypopigmented to erythematous patches. Tinea versicolor is a superficial chronically recurring fungal infection of the stratum corneum, characterized by scaly, hypo and hyperpigmented irregular macules, usually located on the trunk and proximal extremities caused by pityrosporum orbiculare.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">100 patients of untreated tinea versicolor who attended the outpatient department were selected at random irrespective of their age, socioeconomic status, occupation. A detailed history was taken, regarding the age, sex, religion, occupation, socioeconomic status, residence, duration and course of the disease, site of distribution of lesion and any other associated cutaneous and systemic diseases</span>.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The majority patients i.e. 27 (27%) were students and followed by the unskilled workers who comprised 20% of patients. The incidence is quite low in business and official class 3% and 11% respectively. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-IN">The duration of the disease in 93% of patients was less than 10 years and in 7% the duration was more than 10 years.</span></p>