SPOTTERS MEDICINE
TINEA VERSICOLOR
🔹 Definition:
Tinea
versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia
species, resulting in discolored (hypo- or hyperpigmented) patches.
🔹 Causative Organism:
- Malassezia furfur, a lipophilic yeast that
normally inhabits human skin.
🔹 Pathogenesis:
- Overgrowth of Malassezia in humid,
oily, or sweaty conditions
- Produces azelaic acid,
which inhibits melanocyte function → pigment changes
🔹 Predisposing Factors:
- Warm and humid climate
- Oily skin or seborrheic areas
- Immunosuppression
- Excessive sweating
- Poor hygiene or tight clothing
🔹 Clinical Features:
- Hypo- or hyperpigmented macules
or patches
- Fine scaling over lesions
- Commonly affects upper trunk,
neck, shoulders, arms
- Mild itching may occur
🔹 Diagnosis:
- Clinical features + typical distribution
- Wood’s lamp: yellow-green fluorescence
- KOH preparation: “spaghetti and meatballs”
appearance (hyphae + spores)
🔹 Differential Diagnosis:
- Vitiligo (no scaling)
- Pityriasis rosea
- Seborrheic dermatitis
- Post-inflammatory
hypopigmentation
🔹 Treatment:
Topical
Antifungals:
- Selenium sulfide 2.5% lotion
- Ketoconazole shampoo or cream
- Clotrimazole, Terbinafine, Ciclopirox
creams
Oral
Antifungals (for extensive cases):
- Itraconazole 200 mg/day for 5–7 days
- Fluconazole 400 mg single dose, may repeat after 1 week
🔹 Prevention:
- Keep skin dry and
well-ventilated
- Avoid tight or synthetic
clothing
- Use antifungal shampoo
once a week in recurrent cases
- Avoid sharing towels/clothing
🔹 Prognosis:
- Excellent with treatment
- Pigment changes may persist for
weeks to months
- Recurrence is common,
especially in humid weather
DR.C.GANESAN
M.D.,
PROFESSOR OF
MEDICINE
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