Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis Versicolor

Welcome to the Pityriasis versicolor subsection of the Dermatology for the MSRA course.

This section is designed to provide comprehensive and structured learning materials to help you understand and master the topic of Pityriasis versicolor for the MSRA. Pityriasis versicolor is a condition requiring attention, and this section provides detailed information to help with its management based on UK NICE guidelines.

In this subsection, you will find the following resources to aid your revision:

Pityriasis Versicolor Revision Notes for MSRA: Detailed and concise revision notes covering all essential aspects of pityriasis versicolor, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. These notes are structured using UK NICE guidelines and are presented in a format designed for quick recall.
Pityriasis Versicolor Flashcards for MSRA: Interactive flashcards designed to help you memorise key facts and concepts about pityriasis versicolor. These are ideal for quick reviews and reinforcing knowledge.
Pityriasis Versicolor Accordion Q&A Notes for the MSRA: Test your understanding with question-and-answer-style accordion notes. This active learning format supports retention and allows you to focus on weaker areas.
Pityriasis Versicolor Rapid Fire Quiz for MSRA: A short quiz to assess your knowledge of pityriasis versicolor, helping you idenvtify areas that need further review. Additional questions are available in the question banks and mock exams on the website.

Key Points about Pityriasis Versicolor:

Definition: Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia, leading to hypopigmented or hyperpigmented scaly patches on the skin, primarily affecting the trunk.
Causes: The overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the skin, especially in humid environments, leads to this condition. Risk factors include excessive sweating, oily skin, and a weakened immune system.
Symptoms: Symptoms include patchy discoloration (white, pink, or brown spots) with mild scaling, most commonly found on the upper body, neck, and arms. The affected areas may not tan in the sun.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is typically made clinically by observing the characteristic lesions. Wood’s lamp examination can reveal a yellow-green fluorescence, and a skin scraping with KOH preparation shows the “spaghetti and meatballs” appearance of the fungus.
Management: Treatment includes topical antifungal agents such as selenium sulfide, ketoconazole, or clotrimazole. In severe cases, oral antifungal therapy may be required. Recurrence is common, and long-term maintenance therapy may be needed.
Complications: The primary complication is cosmetic, with persistent skin discoloration. However, the condition is otherwise benign and does not lead to serious health issues.