Epidemiological, clinical and mycological characteristics of pityriasis versicolor: Results of a study from a teaching hospital in rural part of Northern India

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pityriasis versicolor is a common fungal infection of the skin which leads to the formation of scaly and discoloured small lesions on skin. The main objective of this study is to describe clinical and mycological characteristics and the predisposing factors in patients with pityriasis versicolor. Material and Methods: In this prospective, observational, hospital-based cross-sectional study, patients of all ages with clinically suspected lesions of pityriasis versicolor were included. After detailed history and thorough clinical examination, skin scrapings were examined with 10% potassium hydroxide (KOH) under light microscope. The scrapings were also subjected to culture examination. Results: A total of 113 patients [78 (69.0%) male; 35 (31%) female] were included in the study. A total of 87 (76.9%) patients were from rural area. Outdoor occupation and positive family history of pityriasis versicolor was present in 65 (57.5%) and 38 (33.6%) patients, respectively. Recurrent episodes were reported by 66 (60%) patients. Excessive sweating and oily skin were seen in 36 (31.8%) and 24 (21.1%) patients, respectively. History of occlusive clothing was present in 22 (19.4%) patients. Chest, back, and shoulders were affected in 36 (31.8%), 22 (19.4%), and 08 (07.0%) patients, respectively. Hypopigmented lesions were seen in 97 (85.8%) patients. Patches and macules were observed in 60 (53.1%) and 53 (46.9%) patients, respectively. A total of 27 (23.8%) patients reported mild prutitus. A total of 79 (69.9%) patients were KOH positive and culture negative, whereas 26 (23.0%) patients were KOH as well as culture positive. Eight (7.0%) patients were both KOH and culture negative. Conclusion: Pytiriasis versicolor is more common in young adults and males with the most common presentation of hypopigmentation lesions. In our study population, presentation with large patches was more common than macular lesions. Pruritus was more in patients with large patches than those with macules.

Clinico-epidemiological pattern of pityriasis versicolor in Sudanese patients at Khartoum dermatology and venerology hospital, Khartoum State, Sudan, 2012-2013

“…In both studies, Singla et al and Ghosh et al said that the majority of the participants didn't have any family history, while for the ones who had a positive family history, more than two-thirds of them had a first-degree relative. 16,17 Regarding the onset of the disease, most participants had it in the summer, which any other similar study compared. Regarding the association with systematic disease, the majority of the participants did not have any association, which agrees with the studies done by Singla et al and Ghosh et al who have said that the majority of the participants don't have any systemic diseases.…”

“…Regarding the age majority of the participants were between twenty one and thirty years old with more than one third, which in comparing with Singla et al which agrees with current study have said that most of the patients were aged between twenty one up to thirty years old, regarding the gender majority of the participants were males with more than two thirds which in comparing with Singla which have sad that most of the participants were males which agrees with the current study, regarding the occupational status most of the participants were either students or labourer, which in comparing with and Ghosh et al which agrees with the current study that majority of the participantswere students, regarding the marital status majority of the patients were single with more than two thirds, which in comparing with Ghosh which agrees with the study which has said that most of the patients were single, regarding the tribes and roots most of the participants were from the north, regarding the socioeconomic status majority of the participants were having a middle one, which in comparison with Singla et al which disagree with the current study in most of the patients were either having a high or low socioeconomic status. 16,17 For the family history of the patients, the majority had an adverse family history. In both studies, Singla et al and Ghosh et al said that the majority of the participants didn't have any family history, while for the ones who had a positive family history, more than two-thirds of them had a first-degree relative.…”

“…Regarding the association with systematic disease, the majority of the participants did not have any association, which agrees with the studies done by Singla et al and Ghosh et al who have said that the majority of the participants don't have any systemic diseases. 16,17 Regarding the type of systematic disease, if they had it, the majority had Asthma or Irritable bowel diseases. These findings disagree with Singla et al and Ghosh et al studies that said diabetes is the most common systemic disease.…”

Hypopigmented papules in a toddler

“…9 Pityriasis versicolor, characterized by hypo-or hyperpigmented thin, scaly papules or coalescent plaques, predominantly affects the trunk or upper extremities, but can involve flexural sites. 10 Scars, such as those from varicella infections, can present with hypopigmented papules, but would be expected at sites of previous infectious lesions. 11 Flat warts manifest as small, smooth papules that blend with the skin color or appear hypopigmented.…”

Hypopigmented Atrophic Pityriasis Versicolor: A Case of Diagnostic Dilemma

“…As a part of normal microbiota, numerous species of Malassezia fungus have been identified in the skin of healthy individuals. Malassezia sympodialis , Malassezia furfur , and Malassezia globosa are found to be correlated with PV [ 1 , 2 ].…”