Knowledge University

College of Science-DLMS- Level 4

L. 5 - (Pityriasis versicolor)
Medical mycology 2023/2024

Dr. Salah M. Saleem

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 Pityriasis versicolor

• Pityriasis versicolor (also called Tinea versicolor ) is caused

by a type of yeast called Malassezia.
• This yeast is found on the skin of more than 90% of adults,
where it normally lives without causing any problems.
But pityriasis versicolor can develop if this yeast starts to
multiply more than usual.

• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4287564/

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 Pityriasis versicolor
• Pityriasis versicolor……

• Chronic infection of stratum corneum (the outer layer of the skin)

• Caused by lipophilic yeast Malassezia spp.

• Clinical findings ( symptoms) include : Hyperpigmented or depigmented

spots on chest, back, arms, abdomen which may itch.

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• In patients with clinical disease, the organism is found in both
the yeast (spore) stage and the filamentous (hyphal) form.
• Factors that lead to the conversion of the saprophytic yeast
to the parasitic, mycelial morphologic form include:
• 1- A genetic predisposition (ready).
• 2- Warm, humid environments.
• 3- Immunosuppression.
• 4- Malnutrition (lack of proper nutrition)
• 5-Pregnancy.
• 6- Wear tight underwear from polyesters.(chose relax
cottony).
• 7- Obesity.

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 Pityriasis cont.

• The infection can happen for any of the following reasons:

• You have oily skin
• You live in a hot climate
• You sweat a lot
• You have a weakened immune system
• Because the yeast grows naturally on your skin, tinea
versicolor is not contagious. The condition can affect people
of any skin color. It's more likely to affect youths and young
adults.(why?)

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 Pityriasis versicolor

• Lifestyle Instructions for managing Pityriasis versicolor (Tinea

versicolor)
• Avoid using oily skin products.
• Reduce your exposure to the sun. ...
• If you have to go out in the sun, consider using an anti-fungal
shampoo daily for a couple of days prior(before) to sun
exposure.
• Put on sunscreen every day. ...
• Do not wear tight clothing.

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 Pityriasis cont.
• Slide (below) showed the 2 phases of growth.
• Malassezia furfur (KOH mount & UV exam)
• Genus Malassezia comprises of 14 species of “yeast like fungi,” 13 of
which are lipophilic and 1 is non lipophilic. They are known
commensals and in predisposed individuals they commonly cause a
spectrum of chronic recurrent infections. They rarely also cause
serious illnesses
• Malassezia fungus produces an acid that inhibits the production of
melanin, a natural that gives skin its color.

• Mycelia and spores described as

• "spaghetti and meatballs."
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 Pityrosporum folliculitis
• Pityrosporum folliculitis, also known as Malassezia
folliculitis, is a condition that presents as breakouts on skin. It
may be considered common and under-recognized. It occurs
when a specific Malassezia, which naturally occurs on skin,
infects the hair follicles.
• Follicle is the sheath of cells and connective tissue which
surrounds the root of a hair noun hair follicle

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Isolation and identification

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 Treatment
• Effective topical medicines/ treatment for PV includes creams, lotions,
and shampoos. These are applied daily or twice daily for varying periods
of time, quickly improving clinical symptoms .
• There are multiple topical medications, such as bifonazole, clotrimazole,
and miconazole, that have direct fungistatic activity and are shown to be
effective in treating PV.
• Coconut oil is used to treat skin disorders such as pityriasis
versicolor.This is because oil has various natural agents that have great
antifungal power , making it ideal for stopping the growth of fungi that
cause this and other diseases.
• Aloe vera/ Although there are numerous creams that are composed with
this plant, it is recommended to perform a natural treatment with the
gel that is extracted from the inside of the aloe vera leaf.

• For farther information:

http://healthichs.com/how-to-get-rid-of-tinea-versicolor-forever/
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 Review questions & activities
• Q/ In Pityriasis versicolor , what is the causative agents , and the
symptoms
• Q/ What are the factors that increase the risk of developing
tinea versicolor?
• Q/ List the reasons of probable infection of pitryasis versicolor.
• Q/ Numerate the lifestyle Instructions for managing Pityriasis
versicolor .
• Q/ Which of the following terms related to Malassezia:
dimorphic; normal flora, lipophilic, pachedermatis, cutaneous.
• Q/ Write an assay (150 words) about Pityriasis versicolor
treatment.
• Q/ Write an assay (100 words) about Pityriasis folliculitis.

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