Pityriasis Versicolor Research Articles

Fungal Skin Infections in Beach Volleyball Athletes in Greece

Background/Objectives: Fungal infections, commonly referred to as mycoses, are widespread and affect various parts of the body. Common types of fungal skin infections include tinea pedis, tinea unguim, tinea cruris, tinea versicolor, and tinea manuum. Athletes, in particular, are at a higher risk of contracting these infections due to several factors inherent to their training and competitive environments. Methods: This research examined the incidence, anatomical distribution, and seasonal occurrence of fungal skin infections among beach volleyball athletes in Greece. The study cohort consisted of 785 participants, with an average age of 28.4 years. Variables recorded included gender, the seasonal periods during which athletes might be more prone to injuries, and the specific body areas affected by fungal infections. In addition, training-related data such as weekly training frequency, and daily training duration were collected. Results: Incidence rates correlated in relation to gender: male, tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea manuum (p < 0.010); number of weekly trainings: tinea pedis (p < 0.000), tinea unguium (p < 0.043), tinea cruris (p < 0.008), tinea versicolor (p < 0.038), tinea manuum (p < 0.043); average hours of daily training: tinea unguium (p < 0.039), tinea manuum (p < 0.039). Conclusions: Athletic activities often involve exposure to warm, moist conditions that promote fungal growth. Locker rooms, showers, and equipment can harbor fungi, spreading infections among athletes. Understanding these infections is essential for effective prevention and management, as they can impact performance and health if untreated. Proper hygiene, antifungal treatments, and public health measures are crucial to reducing the risk in athletic settings.

The Effect of Eradication Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori on The Clinical Outcome of Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor

The Effect of Eradication Treatment of Helicobacter Pylori on The Clinical Outcome of Patients with Pityriasis Versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor epidemiology, disease predictors, and healthcare utilization: analysis of 32,679 cases in a large commercial insurance database

Pityriasis versicolor epidemiology, disease predictors, and healthcare utilization: analysis of 32,679 cases in a large commercial insurance database

Infection patterns of scabies and tinea between inland and resettled indigenous Negrito communities in Peninsular Malaysia.

Skin infections cause significant health burden and affect underserved communities such as the indigenous Negrito communities disproportionately. There is only one study that has addressed skin infections among the Negrito communities, which is the smallest and most isolated indigenous tribe in Peninsular Malaysia, with approximately 6,500 individuals remaining in northern and central Peninsular Malaysia. This study, which aims to update the infection patterns of scabies and tinea among the Negrito communities, recruited 361 participants from eight villages representing all six Negrito subtribes. The results revealed an overall skin infection prevalence of 35.6%, with scabies (11.7%), tinea versicolor (11.3%), and tinea imbricata (7.5%) as major infections, with no co-infection. Notably, infection rates were significantly higher in resettled villages (55.2%) compared to inland villages (24.8%). Scabies and tinea versicolor were more prevalent in resettled villages (21.2% and 23.6%, respectively) than inland villages (6.4% and 4.7%, respectively), while tinea imbricata was more common in inland villages (9.4% vs 3.9%). Furthermore, there exist predisposition of scabies among Kensiu. High prevalence of tinea imbricata was observed among the inland Bateq while prevalence of tinea versicolor was high among the resettled Bateq. Risk analysis revealed specific associations: scabies with Kensiu subtribe (P = 0.002), high income (P = 0.001) and underweight individuals (P = 0.009); tinea versicolor with Bateq subtribe (P = 0.003), resettled villagers (P < 0.001), males (P = 0.040), and overweight/obese individuals (P = 0.015); and tinea imbricata with Bateq (P = 0.011) and smokers (P = 0.004). These findings highlight a complex interplay between environment and lifestyle in skin infection prevalence. Addressing these infections requires targeted interventions, including regular medical care in inland villages and socio-economic support for resettled communities, considering the distinct predispositions in different village types.

A study on the Prescription Pattern of Antifungal Drugs in Aden-Yemen

Background: Fungal infections are more common in tropical zones; they can be simple, complicated, or even fatal. Studying the prescribing pattern can help physicians provide rational medical care and appropriate patient compliance. The current study aimed to determine the prescription patterns of antifungals in three departments and the distribution of fungal disease to help in developing policies and stewardship in using antifungal medications. Method: This cross-sectional study was conducted over 6 months from March to October 2023. Potential participants were approached in Governorate and private pharmacies, and dermatologic, gynecologic, and dental clinics. Results: The total number of collected prescriptions was 250. The analysis of the demographic characteristics of the involved patients showed that about 166 (66.4%) of the patients were females and 84 (33.65%) were males. Most of the patients are in the age group (19-35 years). Most of the fungal infection was vulvovaginal candidiasis 64(25.6%), Tinea versicolor 38(15.2), Tinea cruris 30(12%), oral candidiasis 21 (8.4 %), Tinea corporis (8.4%) then Tinea pedis and skin candidiasis had equal number 19 (7.6%), followed by tinea capitis 12 (4.8%) and onychomycosis 12 (4.8%). The most prescribed oral medicines were Itraconazole 66 (26.4%), followed by Fluconazole 56 (22.4%), Terbinafine 28 (11.2%), Ketoconazole 29 (11.6%) and Griseofulvin 13 (5.2%). The topical medicines prescribed were as follows: Ketoconazole 98 (39.28%), Clotrimazole 46 (18.4 %), Terbinafine 36 (14.4%), and Miconazole 33 (16.4%). The majority of patients (75%) received a combination of topical and systemic oral therapy. While (25 %) were treated by only topical agents.

Clinical and dermoscopic patterns of idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis

Depigmented skin lesions are of great concern in society, especially in the Indian subcontinent. These comprise many infective and inflammatory conditions that cause apprehension and anxiety among patients due to the social stigma attached to these conditions. Idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis (IGH) appears similar to many depigmented lesions and differentiation of IGH from these conditions is difficult clinically as well as histopathologically. IGH is one of the common causes of acquired leukoderma. It is also called disseminated lenticular leukoderma. The etiology is yet not clearly delineated, probably multifactorial. Various etiological factors have been proposed including ultraviolet (UV) exposure, post-phototherapy (psoralen and UVA monotherapy, narrowband-UVB), aging, genetic factors, trauma, and autoimmunity. Clinically, it is characterized by multiple, discrete porcelain-white round to oval macules of 2–5 mm average size. It most commonly occurs in the elderly. The most common sites observed are chronically sun-exposed areas such as the arm, pretibial regions, and forearm extensors. It is not easy to differentiate IGH from other hypo and depigmented conditions such as vitiligo, pityriasis versicolor, extragenital lichen sclerosus et atrophicus, guttate morphea, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. It poses a diagnostic challenge to dermatologists. One has to differentiate depigmented lesions from vitiligo as it carries tremendous social implications as social stigma, especially in India. Research on dermoscopic evaluation is uncommon in the literature, despite the abundance of clinic-epidemiological and histological studies of IGH. Four dermoscopic patterns, namely, petaloid, amoeboid, feathery, and nebuloid have been described. These patterns are specific to IGH and help clinicians to differentiate many depigmented skin lesions from IGH in clinical practice. Patients often seek cosmetic treatment. There has been no standard therapy for this condition. Newer treatment modalities range from topical agents to procedure-based therapies and have enhanced the therapeutic armamentarium.

Molecular identification of Malassezia from the skin scrapings of clinically suspected cases of pityriasis versicolor.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is caused by a lipophilic fungus belonging to the genus Malassezia. Potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is most frequently used for screening of cases and culture is the gold standard. KOH lacks sensitivity, and culture is time-consuming and technically demanding. A cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care teaching institution. We aimed to use multiplex-PCR for faster and accurate identification of Malassezia spp directly from skin scrapings of suspected cases of PV. The study was conducted on suspected cases of PV over a period of 12 months. The clinical and demographic details were recorded. The skin scrapings were subjected to KOH mount and cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar with an olive oil overlay. Multiplex-PCR targeting 11 Malassezia spp was performed on DNA extracted from skin scrapings. A total of 69 suspected cases of PV were studied. Most patients belonged to metro cities and worked in hot and humid climates. The mean duration of lesions was 18 months, and most had macular and patchy lesions. The sensitivity of KOH and culture was found to be 82.6% and 91.3%, respectively. M. globosa (n = 60, 87%) and M. restricta (n = 3, 4.3%) were isolated in culture. Multiplex PCR detected 85.5% of M. globosa, 5.8% of M. restricta, and 8.7% of mixed infection with M. globosa and M. restricta. M-PCR detected Malassezia in all the samples. M-PCR could identify Malassezia species directly from skin specimens, eliminating the need for culture. M-PCR was accurate, dependable, and exhibited a rapid turnaround time.

Luz de Wood en dermatosis inflamatorias, autoinmunes, infecciones y cáncer cutáneo

Wood's light (WL) is a useful, economical and easy-to-learn diagnostic tool. Despite its advantages, the use of LW among dermatologists is limited. In porokeratosis, the “diamond necklace” sign has been described, corresponding to the white fluorescence of the hyperkeratotic scale. Subclinical morphea lesions are seen as well-defined dark macules. Among the pigmentary disorders, the bluish fluorescence of vitiligo, the increased contrast of epidermal melasma, and the follicular-centered red fluorescence of progressive macular hypomelanosis stand out. Regarding skin infections, erythrasma presents a coral red fluorescence; tinea versicolor, yellow-green fluorescence; Pseudomonas aeuriginosa, green fluorescence; and scabies, blue-white fluorescence in the acarine grooves. In skin cancer, LW has been used to delimit the surgical margins of both lentigo maligna and non-melanoma skin cancer, with variable results.

Exploring the Efficacy of Ketoconazole versus Ketoconazole Combined with Adapalene in Treating Pityriasis Versicolor: A Comparative Study

Exploring the Efficacy of Ketoconazole versus Ketoconazole Combined with Adapalene in Treating Pityriasis Versicolor: A Comparative Study

Evaluation of diagnostic accuracy of dermoscopy in some common hypopigmented skin diseases.

Diagnosis of cutaneous hypopigmentation can sometimes be challenging. Dermoscopy may play a role in identifying hypo or-depigmented dermatoses. The aim was to investigate which dermoscopic criteria represent potent indicators for the diagnosis of vitiligo, nevus depigmentosus, pityriasis alba, hypopigmented pityriasis versicolor, idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (MF), lichen sclerosus et atrophicus and ash leaf hypopigmented macules of tuberous sclerosis, and evaluate their diagnostic accuracy. 168 individuals diagnosed with one of these hypopigmented disorders were evaluated for the presence or absence of predetermined dermoscopic criteria. Evaluation of dermatoscopic characteristics in each condition and analysis for sensitivity and specificity of dermatoscopic diagnosis in these hypopigmented lesions was performed. The starburst pattern, micro-koebnerization, and trichrome pattern were unique to vitiligo diagnosis. Vitiligo had higher comet-tail appearance, perifollicular pigmentation, and perilesional hyperpigmentation than other hypopigmented illnesses. Other hypopigmented lesions had greater incidence of amoeboid pattern, faint or diminished pigment network, islands of pigmentation, ill-defined boundaries, pseudopods, and widespread scaling than vitiligo. Finally, perifollicular scaling, comedo-like openings, blue-gray specks, and fibrotic regions excluded vitiligo. Dermoscopy can help identify common hypopigmented skin lesions and reduce the need for skin biopsy. Nevus depigmentosus, pityriasis alba and idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis were the top three hypopigmented dermatoses that could be diagnosed by dermoscopy with 100% sensitivity. Vitiligo was in the second rank (94.7%), followed by lichen sclerosis et atrophicus (93.3%) then hypopigmented MF at 81.2% sensitivity. Dermoscopy sensitivity was lowest in pityriasis versicolor and ash leaf macules of tuberous sclerosis (52.6% and 46.7%, respectively).

Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor

Observation on the Clinical Efficacy of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in the Treatment of Pityriasis Versicolor

Skin mycosis distribution, and burden of visits over a decade in Colombia: ecological study

ObjectivesTo describe the sociodemographic distribution of dermatomycosis and the visits burden over a 10-year period of care. MethodsAn ecological study was conducted using data on visits and people treated in the Colombian Health System during 2010-2019 using the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision codes (ICD-10). Departments and geopolitical regions were the units of analysis, and visit burden was reported as frequency, intensity (visits per person), and rate of dermatomycosis visits (per 10,000 visits; 95% confidence interval). ResultsA total of 4,570,593 visits were analyzed. The most used ICD-10 codes were B369 (superficial mycosis, unspecified), B360 (pityriasis versicolor), B354 (Tinea corporis), B359 (dermatophytosis), and B351 (Tinea unguium) (56.5%), with visits primarily involving the adult population (27-59 years; 32.2%), women (43.4%), and urban populations (57.3%). Amazonas department had the highest rate of visits (2.36 per 10,000), while Nariño had the highest intensity of visits (1.94 visits per person). Caribbean region had the highest rate of visits (17.0 per 10,000 visits; 17.0-17.0), followed by the Amazon region (16.3 per 10,000 visits; 16.2-16.4). ConclusionsThe annual visits burden of dermatomycosis in Colombia is high and concentrated in susceptible geographic areas, possibly due to socio-environmental factors. This health problem is overshadowed by chronic diseases and trauma but is often recurrent, and chronic, and induces out-of-pocket costs for treatment.

Beyond the Surface: Decoding Pityriasis Versicolor Through Clinical, Dermoscopic and Microbiological Exploration

Abstract Background: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is an asymptomatic, superficial fungal infection caused by the Malassezia species and causes discolouration of the skin leading to altered pigmentation. It is usually a clinical diagnosis, but in doubtful cases wherein potassium hydroxide (KOH) mount is unavailable, alternative modalities like dermoscopy aid in the management. Aims and Objectives: To evaluate the clinical and dermoscopic patterns in PV and correlate with the associated risk factors and study the fungal culture. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted for 12 months. A total of 115 patients clinically diagnosed with PV showing positivity on KOH mount were recruited. Dermoscopy was done, following which the scales were scraped and cultured in the laboratory on Saborauds dextrose agar and modified Dixon media, and the results were analysed after 3 weeks. Results: Among the 115 participants, on clinical evaluation, 79 patients had achromic and 36 patients had chromic lesions. The dermoscopic features were categorized into domains such as scaling, pigmentation and other features. Fine scaling was the most common feature observed in 88.7% of the patients. Pigmentary changes were noted in all the patients with non-uniform pigmentation being the most common. We have also observed and described newer dermoscopic findings such as barbed wire fence appearance of ridges and furrows, fluffy cotton ball appearance of hypopigmented perifollicular lesions and sprinkled pepper appearance of pigmented dispersion. Out of the 115 KOH mount positive cases, 51 (44.3%) showed growth on fungal culture with Malassezia furfur being the most common species to be isolated in 18 patients. Conclusions: Dermoscopy is a new, popular non-invasive diagnostic modality, which shows specific features like fine scaling, pigment alteration, ridges and furrows with perifollicular involvement, and can be used to diagnose doubtful cases of PV as an adjunct or substitute to a KOH mount.

Relationship Between the Personal Hygiene and The Occurrence of Pityriasis Versicolor In Students of State Senior High School 1 Medan 2020

Relationship Between the Personal Hygiene and The Occurrence of Pityriasis Versicolor In Students of State Senior High School 1 Medan 2020

Concurrent genotyping and expression of NLRP3 inflammasome in pityriasis versicolor patient's skin lesions.

The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of the rs35829419 SNP on the serum level of NLRP3, and to assess the relationship between NLRP3 and its SNP and vulnerability to Pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is one of the most frequent skin conditions linked to skin pigmentation changes. Malassezia plays a key role in the pathogenesis of PV. A case-control study, 50 patients with pityriasis versicolor and 44 healthy controls. Real-time PCR was used to genotype NLRP3 (rs35829419) and ELISA assay of NLRP3 levels in tissue samples. There was a significantly higher median NLPR3 levels in PV patients than controls. A significant predominance of A allele of Q 705K was in patients than controls. The risk of having the disease in the presence of A allele is nearly 10 times than having C allele. In PV patients, there was a significant relationship between NLPR3 levels and Q 705K genotypes with higher NLPR3 levels in AA genotype. A potential correlation between PV and the Q705K polymorphism, pointing to evidence of NLRP3 alteration in PV patients. The NLRP3 inflammasome may be an appropriate therapeutic target for Malassezia-associated skin disorders.

Factors associated with pityriasis versicolor in a large national database.

Pityriasis versicolor (PV), a cutaneous fungal infection, most commonly affects adolescents and young adults and is associated with hyperhidrosis and humid weather. Understanding other factors associated with PV might help improve diagnostic and treatment practices. PV's associations with patient demographics, comorbidities and medication exposures were assessed using the All of Us Database, a large, diverse, national database from the United States. A case-control study with multivariable analysis was performed. We identified 456 PV case-patients and 1368 control-patients. PV case-patients (vs. control-patients) were younger (median age [years] (standard deviation): 48.7 (15.4) vs. 61.9 (15.5); OR: 0.95, CI: 0.94-0.96) and more likely to be men versus women (42.8% vs. 33.9%, OR: 1.45, CI: 1.16-1.79) and Black (19.5% vs. 15.8%, OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.02-1.80) or Asian (4.6% vs. 2.7%, OR: 1.86, CI: 1.07-3.24) versus White. PV case-patients more frequently had acne (5.3% vs. ≤1.5%, OR: 5.37, CI: 2.76-10.48) and less frequently had type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (14.7% vs. 24.7%, OR: 0.52, CI: 0.39-0.70) and hypothyroidism (OR: 10.3% vs. 16.4%, OR: 0.59, CI: 0.42-0.82). In multivariable analysis, PV odds were significantly higher in those with acne and lower in those with T2DM, older age and female sex. Our results may be used as a basis for future studies evaluating whether acne treatment may decrease PV risk. Physicians could educate patients with acne about PV, including strategies to control modifiable PV risk factors, such as avoidance of hot and humid environments and avoidance of use of topical skin oils.

Next generation mycological diagnosis: Artificial intelligence-based classifier of the presence of Malassezia yeasts in tape strip samples.

Malassezia yeasts are almost universally present on human skin worldwide. While they can cause diseases such as pityriasis versicolor, their implication in skin homeostasis and pathophysiology of other dermatoses is still unclear. Their analysis using native microscopy of skin tape strips is operator dependent and requires skill, training and significant amounts of hands-on time. To standardise and improve the speed and quality of diagnosis of Malassezia in skin tape strip samples, we sought to create an artificial intelligence-based algorithm for this image classification task. Three algorithms, each using different internal architectures, were trained and validated on a manually annotated dataset of 1113 images from 22 samples. The Vision Transformer-based algorithm performed the best with a validation accuracy of 94%, sensitivity of 94.0% and specificity of 93.5%. Visualisations providing insight into the reasoning of the algorithm were presented and discussed. Our image classifier achieved very good performance in the diagnosis of the presence of Malassezia yeasts in tape strip samples of human skin and can therefore improve the speed and quality of, and access to this diagnostic test. By expanding data sources and explainability, the algorithm could also provide teaching points for more novice operators in future.

Pitiriasis Versikolor

Pityriasis versicolor is an infectious disease that arises due to decreased immunity and is chronic. This disease is caused by the fungus Malassezia sp. which is characterized by hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules, which can even be accompanied by erythematous and smooth scales. Infection occurs more often in areas with relatively higher temperatures and humidity. Pityriasis versicolor has a worldwide prevalence of up to 50% in tropical countries and 1.1% in cold climates. The incidence of pityriasis versicolor is the same in all races, but is more frequently seen in dark-skinned individuals due to changes in skin pigmentation. This case report describes a 10 year old girl who came with complaints of white spots appearing on her face for 8 months. The initial appearance of the spots is accompanied by itching when sweating. Dermatological examination revealed multiple hypopigmented macules of lenticular to nummular size with well-defined borders with fine scales. On examination with 20% KOH, grouped spores and short hyphae appear like spaghetti and meatballs. Clustered spores are a sign of colonization, while hyphae indicate infection. Pityriasis versicolor therapy consists of administering antifungals which can be done topically and systemically. Furthermore, patients are educated to always keep their skin dry, reduce activities that cause excessive sweating, and wear clothing that is not tight and absorbs sweat.

Erythrasmoid pityriasis versicolor: three case reports and review of the literature

Pityriasis versicolor is characterized clinically by slightly scaly, hyper- or hypopigmented macules usually located on the chest, shoulders, back and arms. Rare cases of atypical locations of pityriasis versicolor have been described, such as groins, penis and perineum. We present three cases of pityriasis versicolor located exclusively on the submammary folds, pubis and inguinal folds (the latter in an 11-year-old girl), respectively. In consideration of both location and clinical presentation of pityriasis versicolor in these three patients, we think that the diagnosis of “erythrasmoid” pityriasis versicolor is acceptable. Differential diagnosis with erythrasma must be taken into consideration. Mycological and bacteriological examinations are therefore necessary in order to make a correct diagnosis and specific therapy.

Antifungal Activity the Active Fraction of Orange Jasmine (Murraya paniculata (Linn) Jack) Leaves and Stem Bark Against Malassezia furfur

Leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine have bioactive compounds such as phenol and flavonoids, which these compounds could be extracted by organic solvent and have antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur which cause excema, dandruff and tinea versicolor in humans. Fractionation of the extract would obtain a specific compound based on the polarity of the solvent. This research aims to know the active fraction of leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine which had antifungal activity against Malassezia furfur. The simplicia powder of leaves and stem bark orange jasmine was macerated with 96% ethanol solvent and then fractionated as gradually with n-hexane, ethyl acetate, and water solvent. The antifungal activity of ethanol extract and fractions was tested against Malassezia furfur with 80; 90; 100% concentration by disk diffusion method at 37˚C for 48 hours of incubation. The data of antifungal activity was analyzed by two-way ANOVA. The result of this research showed antifungal activity from active fraction as water fraction of leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine against Malassezia furfur. The diameter of inhibition zones for the active fraction of leaves and stem bark of orange jasmine such as 8.6 – 14 mm and 12.3 – 15.8 mm respectively.