Clinical features

The skin lesions in pityriasis versicolor:

• presents as multiple well-demarcated, scaly, oval-to-round hypo or hyperpigmented macules
• these macules frequently coalesce into larger patches (1)
• observed primarily on the trunk and proximal parts of the limbs with the face, scalp and genitalia infrequently involved (2)
• can be of varying colours e.g.- white, pink, tan, light brown, and dark brown (2)

There is a superficial scale which is subtle and is best seen by gently scraping the surface with a scalpel blade, edge of a glass slide, or a fingernail (1).

In untanned white caucasians, the lesion is hyperpigmented and fawny. In darker skins or heavily tanned people, the lesion shows depigmentation. Overall, there is a dappled appearance.

The disease is usually asymptomatic. Some patients may experience mild pruritus (2).

Reference:

• (1) Prajapati V, Mydlarski PR. Dermacase. Tinea versicolor. Can Fam Physician. 2008;54(11):1557-8
• (2) Gupta AK, Bluhm R, Summerbell R. Pityriasis versicolor. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2002;16(1):19-33