Pityriasis versicolor in children: a study of 110 cases

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a cutaneous fungal infection caused by the yeast fungus <em>Malassezia</em>. Though common in adults, children can also develop PV</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">110 cases of clinically and mycologically proven cases of PV in children upto 14 years were included in this study which was conducted in the Dermatology outpatient department of Karuna Medical College, Palakkad over a period of one year</span>.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">PV in children accounted for 22.63% of total cases of PV seen during the study period. Face was the commonest site involved (78%). Majority (83.64%) presented with hypopigmentation and family history was present in 26%. Most cases (67%) were seen during the months of April to September</span><span lang="EN-IN">. </span></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> <span lang="EN-GB">PV in children is not rare and it commonly presents as asymptomatic hypopigmented macules over the face</span><span lang="EN-IN">.</span></p>