Skin Discoloration Research Articles

Successfully Treated of Psoriasis by a Constitutional Homeopathic Medicine

An autoimmune multi-systemic condition called psoriasis has an effect on psychological and emotional health, including low self-esteem, stigma, and anxious mental states. The estimated global frequency is about 2%; however, it varies from nation to nation. A 32 years old female patient was diagnosed with psoriasis and she has suffering from voluptuous itching with a burning sensation mainly at night, brownish-red discoloration of skin and also scaly formation. After scratching sometimes oozing blood from the scalp, waist region and legs for the last 7 years. The patient was treated with different kind methods of treatment yet there was no agreeable outcome emerged. Therefore, the patient pursued homoeopathic treatment for a permanent recovery. A constitutional homoeopathic medicine Lycopodium clavatum 200CH was prescribed truly based on symptoms totality. The symptoms improved after the second prescription. According to homoeopathic principles, this led to an increasing the potency of Lycopodium clavatum 1M. After a few months of treatment, a noticeable outcome as well as a perceptible improvement in the PASI Index appeared. This instance demonstrates the beneficial benefits of homoeopathic constitutional treatment of psoriasis.

Craniofacial fibrous dysplasia mimicking sinunasal mucocele: Case report

Background: Fibrous Dysplasia is a congenital, non-inherited, benign intra-medullary bone lesion in which the normal bone marrow is replaced by abnormal fibro-osseous tissue. It can manifest in axial and extra -axial skeleton and tissues. The wide range of clinical manifestations from skeletal changes to soft tissues swellings and skin discoloration makes it a disease of note in the clinical settings. Some of its complications include malignant transformation, gastrointestinal reflux to cardiac involvement with arrhythmias and even sudden death. Until recently with advent of modern imaging modalities, it was a disease of diagnostic debacle as it was often misdiagnosed .This is a case report of a 17 year old male who was misdiagnosed as sinunasal mucocele until histology proved it to be fibrous dysplasia. Objective: The objective of the report is to draw attention to the diagnostic challenge posed at CT imaging. Methods: This case report was carried out at University College Hospital Ibadan. Results: Showed right sided facial swelling measuring about 15x10cm. The mass was firm to hard in consistency, non-tender and not attached to the overlying skin. There was no loss of sensation in the skin over it. The right eye was displaced superiorly and laterally. A nasal aspect of the mass was seen to occupy the whole of the ipsilateral nasal cavity which it occluded deviating the nasal septum to the left and narrowing the left nasal cavity. It was fleshy and showed contact bleeding. The attending ENT Surgeons made a working diagnosis of right sinunasal tumour with possible malignant transformation. The radiographs of the sinuses showed expansile sclerotic lesion involving the nasal bones, the right maxillary bone, right ethmoidal and maxillary sinuses. The inferior aspect of the right frontal sinus was also affected. A cranial computed tomography (CT) scan (Fig 2-4) showed a multi-loculated hypodense mass with mildly enhancing septations (HU16) within the right frontal, ethmoidal, sphenoidal and maxillary sinuses. There was associated expansion of the affected sinuses with thinning of their cortices. No evidence of aggressive bony destruction was seen. The radiologists made a diagnosis of benign sinunasal tumour most likely mucocele. After right maxillectomy, histology proved the lesion to be fibrous dysplasia. This report goes further to support the need for application of more imaging modalities especially the modern and higher slices CT scanner, higher Tesla(2T )MRI , PET and fusion CT/PET scanners in arriving at radiological diagnosis that will be more compatible with the pathological condition of the patients as against what was in place at the time of this case report .Radiologists are also encouraged to have a high index of suspicion for the disease and to explore the possibilities of the differentials in order not to miss the diagnosis of FD

Realistic simulation of fruit mildew diseases: Skin discoloration, fungus growth and volume shrinkage

Time-varying effects simulation plays a critical role in computer graphics. Fruit diseases are typical time-varying phenomena. Due to the biological complexity, the existing methods fail to represent the biodiversity and biological law of symptoms. To this end, this paper proposes a biology-aware, physically-based framework that respects biological knowledge for realistic simulation of fruit mildew diseases. The simulated symptoms include skin discoloration, fungus growth, and volume shrinkage. Specifically, we take advantage of both the zero-order kinetic model and reaction–diffusion model to represent the complex fruit skin discoloration related to skin biological characteristics. To reproduce 3D mildew growth, we employ the Poisson-disk sampling technique and propose a template model instancing method. One can flexibly change hyphal template models to characterize the fungal biological diversity. To model the fruit’s biological structure, we fill the fruit mesh interior with particles in a biologically-based arrangement. Based on this structure, we propose a turgor pressure and a Lennard-Jones force-based adaptive mass–spring system to simulate the fruit shrinkage in a biological manner. Experiments verified that the proposed framework can effectively simulate mildew diseases, including gray mold, powdery mildew, and downy mildew. Our results are visually compelling and close to the ground truth. Both quantitative and qualitative experiments validated the proposed method.

Quantitative Assessment of Hyperpigmentation Changes in Human Skin after Microneedle Mesotherapy Using the Gray-Level Co-Occurrence Matrix (GLCM) Method.

The aim of the study was to quantitatively assess the effectiveness of microneedle mesotherapy in reducing skin discoloration. The results were analyzed using the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) method. The skin of the forearm (7 × 7 cm) of 12 women aged 29 to 68 was examined. Microneedle mesotherapy was performed using a dermapen with a preparation containing 12% ascorbic acid. Each of the volunteers underwent a series of four microneedle mesotherapy treatments. The effectiveness of the treatment was quantified using the methods of image analysis and processing. A series of clinical images were taken in cross-polarized light before and after a series of cosmetic procedures. Then, the treated areas were analyzed by determining the parameters of the gray-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) algorithm: contrast and homogeneity. During image pre-processing, the volunteers' clinical images were separated into red (R), green (G) and blue (B) channels. The photos taken after the procedure show an increase in skin brightness compared to the photos taken before the procedure. The average increase in skin brightness after the treatment was 10.6%, the average decrease in GLCM contrast was 10.7%, and the average homogeneity increased by 14.5%. Based on the analysis, the greatest differences in the GLCM contrast were observed during tests performed in the B channel of the RGB scale. With a decrease in GLCM contrast, an increase in postoperative homogeneity of 0.1 was noted, which is 14.5%.

A MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA WITH ARKAHARIDRA OIL- A CASE REPORT

Vicharchika is one of the most common skin diseases. Vicharchika can be co-related with eczema, which is a form of dermatitis or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent or recurring skin rashes characterized by redness, skin edema, itching, and dryness, with possible crusting, flaking, blistering, cracking, oozing, or bleeding. Areas of temporary skin discoloration are sometimes characterized as healed lesions, though scarring is rare. Long-standing eczema is often dry and is characterized by thickened, scaling skin with hyper pigmentation and visible crisscross markings (lichenification). No satisfactory treatment is available in contemporary medical practice except antihistamines and topical steroids. A patient approached OPD with chief complaints of edema, blackish skin lesions, with intense itching at the dorsum of both ears. A remarkable improvement in the condition was observed with the local application of Arkaharidra taila in a span of 2 weeks

Morpho-behaviour Changes in Fish Exposed to Malathion: An Ecotoxicological Study

Behavioural changes are key indicators in ecotoxicology, revealing the impact of toxic environments on aquatic organisms. This study investigated the effects of malathion, a common pesticide, on the behaviour of Heteropneustes fossilis. Fish exposed to malathion showed significant behavioural changes within 30 minutes, including loss of equilibrium, erratic swimming, and increased speed. Morphological changes, such as skin discoloration, chemical deposition, and lesions, were also noted. Behavioural symptoms progressed with higher concentrations and longer exposure, leading to increased activity, air gulping due to hypoxia, and reduced resting periods. Severe symptoms, including lethargy, unresponsiveness, and extensive skin peeling, emerged over prolonged exposure. Acute toxicity testing revealed immediate surfacing behaviour followed by lethargy and signs of asphyxiation. The study concludes that malathion exposure disrupts normal behaviour, likely due to stress and biochemical changes, highlighting the pesticide's ecological impact.

Primary Pancreatic Lymphoma Masquerading as Carcinoma on 18 F-FDG PET/CT.

A 76-year-old man with yellowish discoloration of sclera and skin for 2 months was referred to 18 F-FDG PET/CT for metabolic characterization of the mass in the pancreas. The images showed intense FDG uptake in the head of the pancreas, as well as a lymph nodal mass in the hepatic hilar region, which was consistent with pancreatic malignancy. Histopathologic findings showed characteristic findings of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma with no evidence of adenocarcinoma.

Liver injury: the therapeutic dilemma of homeopathy - a case report from Bangladesh.

Despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, homeopathic treatment is increasingly being used as a form of alternative medicine, with many people taking homeopathic remedies instead of drug therapies. It is based on the principle of 'like cures like', meaning that a remedy similar to the illness can be used to treat it. However, there have been several reports suggesting the risks of homeopathic remedies, among which homeopathy-induced liver injury is widely discussed. Here, we report a case of a 35-year-old well-oriented male patient with a typical clinical presentation of liver injury as presented by yellowish discoloration of sclera and skin along with generalized body itching following the use of homeopathic medicine for musculoskeletal pain. Laboratory reports of increased liver markers along with bilirubin were also suggestive. Excluding other differentials like viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, hemochromatosis, Wilson disease, and standard drug and toxin-induced hepatitis, the recent use of homeopathic remedies was a contributing factor in leading to the diagnosis of homeopathy-induced liver injury. He was then treated with the discontinuation of homeopathic medicine and supportive care. This case highlights the need for public awareness of the possible complications such as headache, tiredness, skin eruption, dizziness, bowel dysfunction, allergic reactions to acute pancreatitis, renal failure, neurological dysfunction, possible liver injury, and even mortality in those patients who pursue homeopathic treatments and health care professionals should take this into account when making a differential diagnosis in patients with liver injury.

Effectiveness of Geniculate Artery Embolization for Chronic Pain after Total Knee Replacement—A Pilot Study

PurposeTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of embolization of hyperemic synovial tissue for the treatment of persistent pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Materials and MethodsTwelve patients with persistent pain after TKA were enrolled in this prospective, single-center pilot study. Genicular artery embolization (GAE) was performed using 75-μm spherical particles. The patients were assessed using a 100-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) at baseline and 3 and 6 months thereafter. Adverse events were recorded at all time points. ResultsA mean of 1.8 ± 0.8 abnormal hyperemic genicular arteries were identified and embolized, with a median volume of diluted embolic material of 4.3 mL in all 12 (100%) patients. The mean VAS score on walking improved from 73 ± 16 at baseline to 38 ± 35 at the 6-month follow-up (P < .05). The mean KOOS pain score improved from 43.6 ± 15.5 at baseline to 64.6 ± 27.1 at the 6-month follow-up (P < .05). At the 6-month follow-up, 55% and 73% of the patients attained a minimal clinically important change in pain and quality of life, respectively. Self-limited skin discoloration occurred in 5 (42%) patients. The VAS score increased by more than 20 immediately after embolization in 4 (30%) patients, who required analgesic treatment for 1 week. ConclusionGAE is a safe method of treating persistent pain after TKA that demonstrates potential efficacy at 12 months.

P11 Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans: a sign of late lyme disease

Abstract Borrelia infection manifests a variety of signs and symptoms, and its insidiousness and heterogeneity mean that its diagnosis can be delayed. We describe two patients from south-east Scotland who presented with unilateral asymptomatic atrophic areas of skin discoloration. The first was a 71-year-old woman, who presented with a 4-month history of a nonprogressive, mottled, erythematous rash involving her right thigh, buttock and calf. Case 2 was a 56-year-old woman with a 2-year history of an erythematous area of atrophic skin involving the medial aspect of her left thigh and shin. Histology from case 1 showed a normal epidermis with a largely ‘top-heavy’ superficial and deep, predominantly interstitial and focally perivascular, lymphohistiocytic infiltrate, with a predominance of mononuclear histiocytes and with focal extension to deep reticular dermis. Scattered plasma cells were identified, but eosinophils were not a prominent feature. Well-formed granulomas were absent, as were interface dermatitic activity and vasculitic changes. On close questioning, each patient remembered ‘insect’ bites in the vicinity of the cutaneous changes, although neither recalled rashes that could have been consistent with erythema chronicum migrans. In both cases, serology confirmed infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato) and diagnoses of acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA) were made. Both patients responded well to oral treatment with doxycycline. ACA is a cutaneous sign of late-stage Lyme disease and is caused by ongoing active skin infection by tick-borne bacteria of the Lyme disease group of Borrelia species. The tick bite has usually occurred months or years before symptom onset. Typically, there is an early, unilateral inflammatory stage with bluish-red discoloration of the skin and an oedematous appearance. This is followed by an atrophic stage where the skin becomes thin and wrinkled (‘cigarette paper’-like), with the loss of epidermal and dermal structures. Histological features usually include marked atrophy of the epidermis and dermis, loss of adnexal structures and an absence of elastic tissue. A band-like lymphocytic infiltration with plasma cells and mast cells is seen in the dermis, especially in the early stage of disease. Laboratory-confirmed cases of Lyme borreliosis in the UK have risen steadily since reporting began in 1986. ACA is likely to be underdiagnosed and, if there is a clinical suspicion, a detailed history, careful skin examination, Borrelia serology and skin biopsy should be undertaken. Early recognition and treatment reduce the risk of irreversible skin changes and systemic symptoms.

Histopathological Features of Skin changes caused by Electrocution: An Autopsy study

BACKGROUND: Dependency to electrical equipments and improper safety measures has led to a significant increase in deaths due to electrocution. Confirming the cause of death in electrocution is one of the biggest challenges. Skin is the most frequently involved tissue in electrocution and histopathology of skin from electric marks aids in proper diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To study the histomorphological features of epidermis and dermis in skin tissue of entry and exit wounds in electrocution deaths. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This is an observational study done over a period of one year. Skin biopsy from medico legal autopsy of non-lightening electrocution deaths obtained from entry or exit wound site were included for the study. Gross and histopathological details were studied and data analyzed. RESULTS: Significant gross features were surface discoloration of skin 16 (61%) and ulceration 05 (20%). Microscopic features were coagulative necrosis 21 (80.7%), dermo-epidermal separation 20 (80.7%), focal ulceration of epithelium 05 (19%), clefting of epidermis (60%), streaming of nuclei (92.3%), elongation of nuclei (92.3%) and microblisters 02 (15.3%). CONCLUSION: One of the important causes of negative autopsy is electrocution deaths. In such cases dermatopathology is a diagnostic tool coupled with circumstantial evidence. Histological hallmark of electrocution skin injury is epidermal nuclear elongation.

Formulation and Evaluation of Herbal Lipstick from the Beetroot-A Natural Coloring Matter

Herbal cosmetics mean cosmetics that are prepared from the herbal origin. Nowadays herbal cosmetics are in great demand worldwide to alter and enhance the appearance of the human body and herbal lipstick is one of the popular cosmetics. Herbal preparations such as herbal tonics, herbal tablets, herbal shampoo, herbal creams, herbal pastes, herbal lipstick, etc. have become famous among consumers, especially women. There are several advantages of herbal lipstick over synthetic ones. Herbal lipsticks are smooth and easy to apply, non-irritant, non-toxic, free from grittiness, and have a pleasant taste, odor and flavor. Herbal lipstick is formulated by using oils, waxes, fragrances, antioxidants, coloring matter, preservatives, etc. The main objective of this work is to formulate and evaluate herbal lipstick from beetroot as a natural coloring matter to avoid the side effects of synthetic formulations. The lipstick contains synthetic colors that may cause severe side effects on the lips such as dryness cracking, skin irritation, skin discoloration, acne, and cancer. This can be avoided by using natural coloring agents from various herbal sources. The formulated lipsticks were evaluated with several parameters like color, melting point, breaking point, force of application, PH, solubility, skin irritation, perfume stability, and aging stability. Among all the formulations, the F4 formulation was found to meet all evaluation criteria and have fewer or no side effects.

1-methylcyclopropene and Harvest Maturity Impact ‘Ma’afala’ Breadfruit Postharvest Storage

Breadfruit marketing is limited by its rapid ripening and deterioration after harvest; therefore, improved postharvest practices may facilitate breadfruit marketing. This study examined the effect of harvest maturity and 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) on the postharvest quality of ‘Ma’afala’ breadfruit (Artocarpus altilis). Breadfruit was harvested at 13, 15, and 17 weeks after flowering, and half of each harvest was treated with 1 μL⋅L−1 of 1-MCP for 20 hours. During storage, the weight of the fruit, hand feeling, skin color, respiration rate, and ethylene production rate were evaluated every other day until the fruit deteriorated. Compared with untreated fruit, 1-MCP treatment delayed the climacteric respiratory peak by 6 days (65% delay), delayed complete softening by 7 days (63% delay), and increased uniformity in the number of days to the climacteric respiratory peak and complete softening. Skin discoloration was delayed during the earliest harvest period by 5 days (108% delay). Picking breadfruit at early harvest maturity may be useful for preventing discoloration, and 1-MCP may be useful for preventing softening.

Scurvy: Rediscovering a Forgotten Disease.

Scurvy is a nutritional deficiency caused by low vitamin C levels that has been described since ancient times. It leads to a varied presentation, affecting multiple organ systems due to its role in the biochemical reactions of connective tissue synthesis. Common manifestations include gingival bleeding, arthralgias, skin discoloration, impaired wound healing, perifollicular hemorrhage, and ecchymoses. Although there has been a dramatic reduction in the prevalence of scurvy in modern times owing to vitamin C supplementation and intake, sporadic cases still occur. In developed countries, it is mainly diagnosed in the elderly and malnourished individuals and is associated with alcoholism, low socio-economic status, and poor dietary habits. Scurvy has been an unusual cause of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding among other GI manifestations. It can be adequately treated and prevented via vitamin C supplementation.

Impact of Lamda-Cyhalothrin on the Biochemical Parameters of Clarias gariepinus

Background: Widespread applications of pesticides such as Lambda cyhalothrin to boost crops production have frequently led to contamination of the fresh water ecosystem in Nigeria.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this study, Clarias gariepinus were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of Lambda-cyhalothrin pesticide. The 96 h LC50 of lambda cyhalothrin to the fish was estimated at 3.98mgl-1. Mortality of 100% and 10% were observed in fish exposed to 12.00 mg l-1 and 1.25 mg l-1 of Lambda cyhalothrin respectively as compared to no mortality recorded in the control group. Varying degrees of abnormal behaviours like air gulping, hyperactivity, erratic movement, skin discoloration and jerky movements were observed during the 96 hrs exposure period of the fish to Lambda compared to the control. Exposure to sub-lethal concentrations of Lambda cyhalothrin at 0, 0.25, 0.50 and 1.00 mgl-1 and for 15 days at 5 days intervals that is 5, 10 and 15days led to changes in the biochemical parameters.&#x0D; Results: In the Biochemical parameters analysed, there was significant (P&lt;0.5) increase in the mean values of Albumin, Aspartate Amino Transfarase (AST), Alanine Amino Transaferase (ALT), Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) and Creatinine compares to the control group. There was no significant difference (p&gt;0.05) between the values of water quality assays in control and treated group.&#x0D; Conclusion: The biomarkers measured could be useful tools for monitoring effects of other pesticides on aquatic organisms. However, further studies could be done to investigate their mode of action to strike a balance between protection of aquatic biota and discharges of these pesticides and their metabolites to aquatic environments.

Children deserve simple, short, safe, and effective treatment for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis

Children deserve simple, short, safe, and effective treatment for rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis

Assessment of Some Tree Species in Semi-Arid Region of Nigeria with Potential of Enriching Organic Cosmetic Production

The interest of consumers around the world is presently increasing toward the use of organic cosmetics. Forest tree extracts play a major role in organic cosmetic productions. This study evaluates forest tree species within semi-arid region of Nigeria with potential to enrich cosmetic industry. Extracts of six (6) common forest tree species found within semi-arid region of Nigeria were collected and incorporated into soap and cream productions. The forest tree species were Acacia nilotica, Adansonia digitata, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camadulensis, Moringa oleifera, and Salix babylonica. A comparative analysis before and after using the soaps and creams for ten (10) months by eight (8) volunteered individuals were carried out to determine the efficacy of the products. The result shows a complete disappearance of all the skin issues of those with skin conditions such as skin blemishes, acne, pimples, skin discoloration, wrinkles, fine lines, body odor, and sores after ten months of usage. Skin glowing, smoothness, and even toned complexion were observed from those without skin conditions. Therefore, the development of cosmetic ingredients from various species of forest tree extracts can be an interesting option. It will encourage the cosmetic industries to go into large planting of different forest tree species needed for their cosmetic production and as a result the environmental pollution and degradation will be reduced.

Risk factors for postoperative sympathetic chain dysfunction following oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion: a multivariate analysis.

Postoperative sympathetic chain dysfunction (PSCD) was a relatively common complication after anterior lumbar interbody fusion due to the manipulation adjacent to the lumbar sympathetic chain (LSC). This study aimed to investigate the incidence of PSCD and identify its related independent risk factors after oblique lateral lumbar interbody fusion (OLIF) surgery. PSCD was defined as either of the following in the affected lower limb compared to the contralateral: (1) increase in skin temperature by 1 ºC or more, (2) reduced skin perspiration, (3) limb swelling or skin discoloration. Consecutive patients who underwent OLIF at L4/5 level from February 2018 and May 2022 at a single institution were retrospectively reviewed and divided into two groups: patients with PSCD and patients without PSCD. Binary logistic regression analyses were performed on patients' demographic, comorbidities, radiological datum and perioperative factors to identify independent risk factors for PSCD. Twelve (5.7%) of 210 patients experienced PSCD following OLIF surgery. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified the identification of lumbar dextroscoliosis (OR = 7.907, P = 0.012) and the presence of "tear-drop" psoas (OR = 7.216, P = 0.011) as independent risk factors for the PSCD following OLIF. This study identified the lumbar dextroscoliosis and the "tear-drop" psoas as independent risk factors for the development of PSCD after OLIF. Spine alignment examination and the morphological identification of psoas major muscle should be highly noticed for the PSCD prevention following OLIF.

The development of flagellate hyperpigmentation after use of bleomycin for sclerotherapy slow flow vascular malformations

Introduction. Bleomycin is a cytotoxic antibiotic that is used as a sclerosing agent for sclerotherapy of vascular anomalies. Bleomycin is characterized by complications: nausea, vomiting, fever, the development of allergies/anaphylaxis, skin discoloration (hyperpigmentation), damage to lung tissue.Aim. To study the frequency of hyperpigmentation after administration of bleomycin for sclerotherapy of vascular malformations with slow flow characteristics. To present our own clinical observation of the development of skin hyperpigmentation after sclerotherapy of venous malformation with bleomycin.Materials and methods. A systematic review was conducted in foreign (PubMed, Web Of Science, Google Scholar, Scirus) and domestic databases (eLibrary) for the period from 2012 to 2022. As a result of the selection, 17 full-text articles remained suitable for their inclusion in the analysis.Results. In the first part of the review, 12 articles were analyzed, describing clinical observations of the development of “flaggelate” hyperpigmentation after chemotherapy of various neoplasms. In the second part of the review, an analysis of 4 articles describing clinical observations of the development of hyperpigmentation after intralesional administration of bleomycin into vascular malformation in 19 patients was carried out. Discussion. The occurrence of specific “flaggelate” hyperpigmentation after administration of bleomycin for sclerotherapy of vascular anomalies with slow flow characteristics is a rare complication. In the analysis carried out, there is no clear connection between the occurrence of hyperpigmentation and excess dosage.Conclusion. To prevent the appearance of hyperpigmentation, it is necessary to avoid excessive traumatization on time and immediately after sclerotherapy, including with ECG electrodes; avoid excessive oxygenation during the provision of anesthesia; it is necessary to avoid excessive insolation within 24–48 hours after sclerotherapy.

Magnitude and associated factors of Pityriasis Versicolor among patients attending Dermatovenereology Outpatient Department at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northwest Ethiopia

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a chronic superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia species. It is the most common dermatologic disorder in tropical countries including Ethiopia and skin discoloration is the principal morbidity resulting from pityriasis versicolor. Therefore, this study assess the prevalence and associated factors of PV among patients attending Dermatovenereology clinic at the University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Hospital based cross sectional study design was employed. Systematic random sampling was used and a total of 406 participants who attended Dermatovenereology OPD were included in the study. Data were collected by interview and physical examination. Then it was checked, coded, entered into Epi-Info version 7 and analyzed using Stata version 14. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression were employed to identify factors associated with PV. Adjusted odds ratio with their corresponding 95% CI and P-value were calculated. A P-value less than 0.05 was used to declare statistically significant variables. The overall magnitude of PV among patients attending Dermatovenereology OPD at the UGCSH was 12.6% (95%CI; 9.2%, 15.0%).Those who had a diploma and above education [AOR: 95% CI; 4.67 (1.18, 18.47)], excessive sweating [AOR: 95% CI; 4.75 ( 1.92, 8.76)] being male [AOR: 95%CI; 4.19 (1.92, 9.14)], practicing regular exercise [AOR: 95% CI; 4.11 (1.93, 8.76)] and wearing heavy clothes [AOR: 95% CI; 2.53 (1.24, 5.15)] were found to be statistically significantly associated with PV. This study found that the magnitude of Pityriasis versicolor was relatively lower. The study revealed that educational status (diploma and above), male gender, habit of regular exercise, excessive sweating and wearing heavy cloths were significantly associated with Pityriasis Versicolor. It is recommended that high risk patients receive close follow up and health professionals should provide health education sessions in waiting rooms about the identified risk factors.