Pityriasis versicolor in humans: what is it and how to treat it

2024 Author: James Gerald | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 14:00

Pityriasis, also known as versicolor, is a fungal infection on the skin. Most often it develops during a period of increased sun activity, for example, in summer. That is why pathological lesions are most often diagnosed in residents of countries with a large number of sunny days.

It is accompanied by the formation of rashes on different parts of the body, which are very itchy. Their color ranges from yellowish to whitish. Shapes and sizes also vary. Consider the symptoms and treatment of pityriasis versicolor in humans, as well as photos of spots.

What is pityriasis versicolor

One of the forms of dermatomycosis, which has a long course. The causative agent is the yeast-like fungus Pityrosporum orbiculare, which is classified as opportunistic. It is found in most people in the skin folds, on the skin of the upper body, scalp.

Reasons for the development of pathology and Ways of infection

As statistics show, “color” lichen is most often diagnosed in young people. It is often diagnosed in children aged 7 years and older.

Risk factors that provoke the appearance of symptoms of pityriasis versicolor in humans and have a direct impact on treatment include:

• hyperhidrosis;
• chronic pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract;
• endocrine system diseases;
• pregnancy;
• genetic predisposition;
• some diseases that contribute to a decrease in immunity.

As you can see, in the photo, the rashes are concentrated mainly in the upper parts of the body.

Transmission of the causative agent of pityriasis lichen occurs through a contact-household route. For example, sharing bedding, personal hygiene items, or clothing. In general, Pityrosporum orbiculare constantly lives on the skin of a healthy person, its activation occurs against the background of the development of the above diseases.

The clinical picture begins to appear two to three weeks after infection. However, medicine knows cases when the first rashes appeared after several months. The incubation period, its duration, directly depends on the presence of chronic diseases and provoking factors.

Clinical manifestations

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor in humans, as seen in the photo, are manifested in the following:

• spots with a pinkish-yellow color;
• a gradual change in the color of the rash;
• slight peeling of the skin in the affected area;
• itching on an intermittent basis and of mild intensity;
• skin cells located in the affected area, melanocytes, lose their functional usefulness.

In the absence of correct treatment, small rashes after some time merge into foci that occupy significant areas of the skin, change color, becoming saturated brown.

Forms of the disease

Colored lichen occurs in three forms:

1. Erythematosquamous. It occurs most often, the main clinical sign is the shade of the rash. As a rule, they are dyed brown or coffe-au-lait. There are no signs of an inflammatory process. In the first stages of development, the spots are small and gradually increase. Pityriasis peeling is visible on the surfaces. The main places of localization are the chest, back. The abdomen and shoulders are less likely to be affected. The erythematosquamous form is also diagnosed in children. In this category of patients, the scalp is affected. In the manifestation of the form, the factor of seasonality is clearly traced. In other words, the exacerbation is most often observed in the fall, as well as in the spring.
2. Follicular type. This condition is accompanied by the appearance of papules, abscesses, the diameter of which does not exceed 3 mm. Patients often complain of severe, annoying itching. The provoking factors are diabetes mellitus and / or hormonal treatment.
3. Invert form. In this pathological condition, foci of infection with a fungus are located in the natural folds of the skin.

The clinical practice of infectious disease specialists knows cases when pityriasis versicolor in humans had an atypical course.

As you can see in the photo, the symptoms of the disease appeared in a patient with hyperhidrosis on the surface of the feet. This is not typical of the disease. The treatment did not give a positive result and after four months, rashes were noted in the area of the fingers and on the heels.

How is the diagnosis made?

It is possible to diagnose the disease not only on the basis of a classical external examination. Additionally, it is required to collect an anamnesis in order to find out the presence of provoking factors. Doctors often use the Balser test. It consists in the fact that iodine is applied to the affected areas.

If it is a pityriasis type, the rash will change color and turn dark brown. Additionally, they are shone through with a Wood's lamp - if a yellowish glow is noted, then there is an accumulation of fungus in this place.

Treatment tactics

Subject to timely treatment of a specialist, pityriasis versicolor is easily treated. Most of the cases of relapse noted by statistics are the result of self-medication or gross violation of the doctor's recommendations.

After a dermatologist analyzes the patient's complaints, symptoms and concludes that a person has pityriasis versicolor, antifungal spectrum drugs are used for treatment. As the photo shows, the use of systemic and local agents gives the best results.

Additionally, the therapy includes tablet forms of antifungal drugs. They are prescribed for those cases when the patient has severe forms of pityriasis versicolor.

The exact dosage is determined solely by the attending physician. The basis for choosing any remedy is determined by the severity of the course of the disease, the presence of chronic diseases.

If pityriasis versicolor has struck the scalp, washing with special shampoos that have antifungal properties is indicated.

In addition to the main treatment, oil therapy is allowed.

Preventive actions

Symptoms of pityriasis versicolor in humans, as can be seen from the photo, look outwardly unattractive. Even if the treatment was successful, scars and discolored areas remain on the skin.

It is possible to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease if you follow simple rules of prevention.

Namely:

1. If a fungus is found in one of the family members that provokes the development of lichen, the diagnosis should be carried out in everyone who lives with the patient.
2. People who suffer from increased sweating are advised to wipe their skin with salicylic alcohol in the summer. Once every 2 or 3 weeks, you can use a ready-made antifungal spray.
3. All things that touch the body should be thoroughly ironed or rinsed in a solution of soda and soap.

In addition, if the patient has a history of any disease that can provoke pityriasis versicolor, it is recommended to undergo a follow-up examination from time to time.