Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management
This narrative review presents a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of pityriasis versicolor (PV), a common superficial fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia. PV is characterised by scaly hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches, primarily affecting the upper trunk, neck...
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| Format: | Article |
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MDPI AG
2023-10-01
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/10/2097 |
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| author | Nina Łabędź Cristian Navarrete-Dechent Honorata Kubisiak-Rzepczyk Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska Anna Pogorzelska-Antkowiak Paweł Pietkiewicz |
| author_facet | Nina Łabędź Cristian Navarrete-Dechent Honorata Kubisiak-Rzepczyk Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska Anna Pogorzelska-Antkowiak Paweł Pietkiewicz |
| author_sort | Nina Łabędź |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | This narrative review presents a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of pityriasis versicolor (PV), a common superficial fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia. PV is characterised by scaly hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches, primarily affecting the upper trunk, neck, and upper arms. Regarding commensal interactions, Malassezia utilises nutrient sources without affecting the human host. In cases of pathogenicity, Malassezia can directly harm the host via virulence factors or toxins, or indirectly by triggering damaging host responses. The diagnosis typically relies on recognising characteristic clinical features. Due to the wide variability in its clinical presentation, recognising the differential diagnosis is critical. In this paper, we discuss the clinical differentials, with their dermatoscopic presentation, but also describe a range of helpful diagnostic techniques (microscopy, conventional and ultraviolet-induced fluorescence dermatoscopy, and confocal microscopy). Topical therapies are the primary treatment for PV, encompassing non-specific antifungal agents like sulphur with salicylic acid, selenium sulphide 2.5%, and zinc pyrithione. Additionally, specific topical antifungal medications with either fungicidal or fungistatic properties may also be incorporated into the topical treatment regimen, such as imidazoles, allylamines, and ciclopirox olamine. Systemic therapies might occasionally be used. Patient education and the promotion of good personal hygiene are pivotal to reduce the risk of recurrence. In recurrent cases, particularly during warmer and more humid periods, prolonged prophylaxis with topical agents should be considered. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:06:50Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-59f5814762c04c1c81aa094ef44b2e2d |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2075-1729 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T21:06:50Z |
| publishDate | 2023-10-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Life |
| spelling | doaj.art-59f5814762c04c1c81aa094ef44b2e2d2023-11-19T17:07:22ZengMDPI AGLife2075-17292023-10-011310209710.3390/life13102097Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and ManagementNina Łabędź0Cristian Navarrete-Dechent1Honorata Kubisiak-Rzepczyk2Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska3Anna Pogorzelska-Antkowiak4Paweł Pietkiewicz5Department of Dermatology, Paediatric Dermatology and Oncology, Biegański’s Hospital, 91-347 Łódź, PolandDepartment of Dermatology, Melanoma and Skin Cancer Unit, Escuela de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, ChileDepartment of Dermatology and Venerology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, PolandCutaneous Histopathology and Immunopathology Section, Department of Dermatology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-356 Poznań, PolandEsteDerm Private Dermatology Clinic, 43-100 Tychy, PolandDermatology Private Practice, 60-814 Poznań, PolandThis narrative review presents a comprehensive overview of the diagnosis and management of pityriasis versicolor (PV), a common superficial fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia. PV is characterised by scaly hypopigmented or hyperpigmented patches, primarily affecting the upper trunk, neck, and upper arms. Regarding commensal interactions, Malassezia utilises nutrient sources without affecting the human host. In cases of pathogenicity, Malassezia can directly harm the host via virulence factors or toxins, or indirectly by triggering damaging host responses. The diagnosis typically relies on recognising characteristic clinical features. Due to the wide variability in its clinical presentation, recognising the differential diagnosis is critical. In this paper, we discuss the clinical differentials, with their dermatoscopic presentation, but also describe a range of helpful diagnostic techniques (microscopy, conventional and ultraviolet-induced fluorescence dermatoscopy, and confocal microscopy). Topical therapies are the primary treatment for PV, encompassing non-specific antifungal agents like sulphur with salicylic acid, selenium sulphide 2.5%, and zinc pyrithione. Additionally, specific topical antifungal medications with either fungicidal or fungistatic properties may also be incorporated into the topical treatment regimen, such as imidazoles, allylamines, and ciclopirox olamine. Systemic therapies might occasionally be used. Patient education and the promotion of good personal hygiene are pivotal to reduce the risk of recurrence. In recurrent cases, particularly during warmer and more humid periods, prolonged prophylaxis with topical agents should be considered.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/10/2097<i>Malassezia</i><i>Pitryrosporum</i>yeasttinea versicolorfungal infectionsdermatoscopy |
| spellingShingle | Nina Łabędź Cristian Navarrete-Dechent Honorata Kubisiak-Rzepczyk Monika Bowszyc-Dmochowska Anna Pogorzelska-Antkowiak Paweł Pietkiewicz Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management Life <i>Malassezia</i> <i>Pitryrosporum</i> yeast tinea versicolor fungal infections dermatoscopy |
| title | Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management |
| title_full | Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management |
| title_fullStr | Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management |
| title_full_unstemmed | Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management |
| title_short | Pityriasis Versicolor—A Narrative Review on the Diagnosis and Management |
| title_sort | pityriasis versicolor a narrative review on the diagnosis and management |
| topic | <i>Malassezia</i> <i>Pitryrosporum</i> yeast tinea versicolor fungal infections dermatoscopy |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/13/10/2097 |
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