ABSTRACT

Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by the pathogenic mycelial forms of the lipophilic yeast-like fungus of the genus Malassezia. The causative organisms of the condition are Malassezia spp, which are normal human saprophytes. Pityriasis versicolor may result from conversion of the organism to the mycelial phase, which is considered the pathogenic form. A hyperpigmented variant may be noted in some cases. Although less common, the colour may vary from tan to dark brown to even black. Mycological examination can be used to confirm the diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor. Postinflammatory hypopigmentation, progressive macular hypomelanosis, and early vitiligo are conditions that can be differentiated from pityriasis versicolor by the absence of scaling and a wrinkled appearance of the lesions. Oral therapy can be more convenient and less time-consuming for the patient, and hence ensures better patient compliance.