Tinea Versicolor
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Basics
Description
- Superficial fungal infection that interferes with normal skin pigmentation resulting in macules or patches that are hypopigmented, tan, brown, or salmon-colored. Tinea versicolor is usually well-demarcated, finely scaling, occurring primarily on the trunk and proximal upper extremities. Tinea versicolor is not a dermatophyte infection. It is caused by lipophilic (fat/oil-loving) Malassezia yeast organisms that normally inhabit the skin.
- System(s) affected: skin/exocrine
- Synonym(s): pityriasis versicolor
Epidemiology
Incidence- Common, occurs worldwide, especially in tropical climates
- Predominant age: adolescents and young adults
- Predominant sex: male = female
Pediatric Considerations
Skin eruptions usually occur after puberty, when sebaceous glands are more active. However tinea versicolor can also be seen in children, especially in tropical climates; facial lesions are more common in children.
Geriatric Considerations
Not common in the geriatric population
Prevalence
Prevalence can reach up to 50%, especially in warm climates.
Etiology and Pathophysiology
The inhibition of pigment synthesis in epidermal melanocytes leads to hypopigmented skin patches; in the hyperpigmented type, melanosomes increase in size resulting in brown or darker skin patches of varying shades (1).
- Tinea versicolor is caused by saprophytic yeast: Pityrosporum orbiculare (also known as Plasmodium ovale, Malassezia furfur, or Malassezia ovalis), which is a known colonizer of all humans.
- Development of clinical disease is associated with transformation of Malassezia from yeast cells to pathogenic mycelial form. Several endogenous (host) and exogenous/external factors may play a role in the transformation to active disease.
- Tinea versicolor is not linked to poor hygiene.
- Tinea versicolor is generally not contagious.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition may exist.
Risk Factors
- Hot, humid weather
- Use of topical skin oils
- Hyperhidrosis
- HIV infection/immunosuppression
- High cortisol levels (Cushing, prolonged steroid administration)
- Pregnancy
- Malnutrition
- Oral contraceptives
General Prevention
- Prophylaxis can be used in warm summer months and prior to tanning season in people with frequent recurrences.
- Avoiding skin oils may help
- Tinea versicolor is not contagious.
-- To view the remaining sections of this topic, please log in or purchase a subscription --
Basics
Description
- Superficial fungal infection that interferes with normal skin pigmentation resulting in macules or patches that are hypopigmented, tan, brown, or salmon-colored. Tinea versicolor is usually well-demarcated, finely scaling, occurring primarily on the trunk and proximal upper extremities. Tinea versicolor is not a dermatophyte infection. It is caused by lipophilic (fat/oil-loving) Malassezia yeast organisms that normally inhabit the skin.
- System(s) affected: skin/exocrine
- Synonym(s): pityriasis versicolor
Epidemiology
Incidence- Common, occurs worldwide, especially in tropical climates
- Predominant age: adolescents and young adults
- Predominant sex: male = female
Pediatric Considerations
Skin eruptions usually occur after puberty, when sebaceous glands are more active. However tinea versicolor can also be seen in children, especially in tropical climates; facial lesions are more common in children.
Geriatric Considerations
Not common in the geriatric population
Prevalence
Prevalence can reach up to 50%, especially in warm climates.
Etiology and Pathophysiology
The inhibition of pigment synthesis in epidermal melanocytes leads to hypopigmented skin patches; in the hyperpigmented type, melanosomes increase in size resulting in brown or darker skin patches of varying shades (1).
- Tinea versicolor is caused by saprophytic yeast: Pityrosporum orbiculare (also known as Plasmodium ovale, Malassezia furfur, or Malassezia ovalis), which is a known colonizer of all humans.
- Development of clinical disease is associated with transformation of Malassezia from yeast cells to pathogenic mycelial form. Several endogenous (host) and exogenous/external factors may play a role in the transformation to active disease.
- Tinea versicolor is not linked to poor hygiene.
- Tinea versicolor is generally not contagious.
Genetics
Genetic predisposition may exist.
Risk Factors
- Hot, humid weather
- Use of topical skin oils
- Hyperhidrosis
- HIV infection/immunosuppression
- High cortisol levels (Cushing, prolonged steroid administration)
- Pregnancy
- Malnutrition
- Oral contraceptives
General Prevention
- Prophylaxis can be used in warm summer months and prior to tanning season in people with frequent recurrences.
- Avoiding skin oils may help
- Tinea versicolor is not contagious.
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