Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis versicolor is a superficial skin lesion caused by a yeast-like fungus of the genus Malassezia.

These microorganisms are representatives of typical skin microflora, are found in most people and do not cause the development of the disease. But under the influence of external or internal factors, the pathogen can transform from a non-pathogenic form into a pathogenic one: the fungus penetrates the upper layers of the skin and damages melanocytes - the cellular structures responsible for the pigmentation of the skin.

As a result, the patient develops small spots of different colors: from pale pink to red-brown, with noticeable peeling in the center. When touched, the scabs flake off easily and resemble flakes, which is what gives pityriasis versicolor its name.

What is pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor, or pityriasis versicolor, is a chronic skin disease of a fungal nature. It appears in the form of specifically pigmented spots of various sizes and shades, without signs of inflammation. Most often, the areas affected by pityriasis versicolor are located on the body (back, abdomen, neck, shoulders) and scalp. Representatives of both sexes are most susceptible to the disease at a young age, and children under 7 years of age are the least susceptible.

External manifestations of the disease usually do not cause concern, so they are often perceived as harmless cosmetic defects. For this reason, the pathology becomes chronic: spots periodically appear, then disappear, and after some time, under the influence of provoking factors, the disease worsens again.

Using effective strokes we “kill” the fungus

If you choose among the many antifungal drugs widely represented on the modern Russian market, then preference should be given to those that, firstly, are able to accumulate in those layers of the skin where the fungal process develops, and secondly, do not penetrate into those layers where fungal activity is impossible. Usually, treatment of lichen versicolor is carried out with local drugs, and in severe cases with the use of systemic antimycotics, which can significantly reduce the treatment time and prevent the frequency of relapses. But you should always remember that if you find signs of a disease in yourself, under no circumstances try to treat yourself, but immediately go to a doctor who will accurately determine your diagnosis and prescribe the right treatment for you.

Symptoms of the disease

When infected with pityriasis versicolor, the pathogens multiply in the superficial layers of the skin, disrupting the normal functioning of cells. First of all, melanocytes, which are responsible for the production of the pigment melanin, are affected, thanks to which the skin has one color or another. This means that under the influence of pathogenic microorganisms, the affected areas acquire an uncharacteristic, painful shade. Hence the second name for pityriasis versicolor - versicolor.

The main symptoms of pityriasis versicolor include:

Spots of yellow, coffee, scarlet or dark brown shades, located mainly on the back, head and neck, shoulders and stomach. In children, they also appear on the limbs, armpits and scalp. The affected areas can be of different sizes, but usually their size does not exceed 1 cm. Subsequently, the spots merge with each other, forming significant areas of the affected skin.
No signs of inflammation in the form of redness, swelling, hyperemia and pain to the touch.
Severe peeling of the skin in infected areas, aggravated by touch.
No tanning on the affected areas.

Pityriasis versicolor is not characterized by itching and discomfort, so patients often mistake the manifestations of the disease for minor cosmetic defects, postponing a visit to the doctor and full treatment.

Such spots begin to itch and scratch only if a secondary infection occurs.

Prices for services

Initial appointment with a dermatologist (assessment of patient complaints, history taking, examination, preliminary diagnosis, consultation)

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1500 ₽

Repeated appointment with a dermatologist

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800 ₽

Appointment with a dermatologist during removal of tumors (evaluation of complaints, medical history, dermatoscopy if indicated)

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500 ₽

Reasons for development

Versicolor versicolor is a type of fungal skin infection that affects the stratum corneum of the epidermis and hair follicles. Its causative agents are two types of fungi, and infection is possible only through prolonged and close contact with the patient. And in this case, provoking factors play a big role. These include:

weakened immunity;
hyperhidrosis;
disruption of the sebaceous glands;
diseases of the endocrine system (obesity, diabetes, Itsenko-Cushing syndrome, etc.);
hormonal imbalance due to pregnancy, menopause or taking hormone-containing medications;
vegetative-vascular dystonia;
abuse of antibacterial personal hygiene products;
excessive exposure to ultraviolet rays (intense tanning, frequent visits to the solarium) and regular overheating of the body.

It is noteworthy that patients with pityriasis versicolor over 60 years of age are extremely rare. This is due to natural age-related changes in the skin, which make it less susceptible to pathogens.

In children under 10 years of age, the main causes of pityriasis versicolor infection are neglect of personal hygiene rules or improper skin care. At this age, with the protective functions of the skin intact, the body independently copes with pathogenic microorganisms attacking it, so the development of the disease does not occur. But closer to adolescence, when hormonal changes begin, the body’s susceptibility to bacteria, viruses and fungi increases, so children over 10 years old become infected with pityriasis versicolor just like adults.

A drop of iodine, a lamp beam, a microscope lens

In our Center, a wide variety of methods are used to diagnose lichen versicolor, one of which is the Balser iodine test: lesions and adjacent areas of healthy skin are smeared with 5% iodine tincture. Rashes due to the loosened stratum corneum are more intensely colored compared to the surrounding healthy skin. Just do not try to perform this test yourself, since only a doctor can diagnose the disease. When examined using a Wood's lamp, a yellow glow is noted in the affected area. Microscopically, in scales taken from foci of pityriasis versicolor and treated with a 15-20% KOH solution, budding fungal cells, as well as pseudomycelium, are detected. Another diagnostic method is the use of Sabouraud’s medium, on which after 3 weeks a white, creamy culture is formed, similar to yeast. Microscopic examination reveals budding fungal cells.

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor

The diagnosis of pityriasis versicolor is made to the patient after examination by a dermatologist and dermatoscopy. Additionally, an iodine test and laboratory testing of scrapings can be used.

Treatment of pityriasis versicolor is carried out on an outpatient basis until the symptoms of the disease completely disappear. If measures were taken on time, the patient is prescribed local therapy using antifungal ointments and special agents for exfoliating dead cells.

Additionally, immunomodulators, vitamin complexes, antifungal shampoos and antihistamines are used if the patient is bothered by itching. In the most advanced cases, antimycotic agents are prescribed for oral administration. In addition, in order to avoid relapse of the disease and infection of others, the patient’s clothing and bedding are treated with disinfectant compounds.

Disease prevention also plays an important role. The following will help prevent the development of the disease:

timely solution to the problem of hyperhidrosis (use of medicinal deodorants, creams, powders, compliance with personal hygiene rules, frequent changes of underwear, etc.);
use of high-quality soaps and skin care products;
regular water procedures;
wearing clothes made from natural, hypoallergenic materials;
avoiding stress;
balanced diet rich in vitamins and microelements.

Experts also recommend avoiding overheating of the body and promptly seeking advice from cosmetologists and dermatologists in order to identify the problem and begin proper treatment.

What is erythrasma

Erythrasma is a chronic bacterial disease affecting the epidermis layer in the deep folds of the skin. It is characterized by a long course - in some cases, symptoms develop for at least 10 years, without causing significant discomfort to the patient. The clinical picture of erythrasma is similar to a fungal infection of the skin, but modern dermatology classifies it as a group of pseudomycoses.

The following main stages are distinguished in the development of the disease:

Progression. The first characteristic spots appear on the skin, their size slowly increases, and additional symptoms develop. In some cases, secondary infections occur. The spots gradually merge with each other, forming large areas of damage.
Stabilization. New spots do not appear, and existing ones stop growing. Peeling of the skin begins. This stage is usually associated with a change in external conditions, for example, cold weather, during which the intensity of sweating decreases and the skin condition stabilizes.
Exacerbation or relapse. Usually associated with the beginning of the warm season. But in the case of prolonged erythrasma, the disease constantly develops in waves, and after a slight decline its symptoms again actively appear.
Remission. Occurs with a favorable microclimate, compliance with preventive measures and proper skin care. The color of the affected areas gradually returns to normal, itching and flaking disappear, and the skin is restored.

Without timely, well-chosen treatment, erythrasma can lead to the development of serious complications.

For example, it can provoke eczema and secondary infection in patients with diabetes or obesity. Also, the course of the disease is aggravated by increased humidity and contamination of the affected areas. As a result, its typical symptoms are complicated by burning, itching and pain.

Signs of the disease

Externally, erythrasma manifests itself in the form of light brown, brick-red, brown or yellow-brown spots on the skin, most often round in shape and without signs of inflammation. The diameter of the lesions can reach several centimeters, and they tend to merge, forming large affected areas. First of all, erythrasma spots appear in the folds of the skin, where there is a favorable environment for the proliferation of bacteria.

In addition to spots, erythrasma is characterized by:

Peeling of the skin on the affected areas, aggravated by touch. Usually this is where the development of the disease begins.
Mild, irregular itching. It intensifies and begins to cause significant discomfort only if a secondary infection is added to the primary disease.
Absence of fever, wounds, ulcers and ulcers with copious discharge. This distinguishes erythrasma from most bacterial skin pathologies.
Getting wet. An optional symptom, the manifestation of which depends on the amount of sweating and the quality of skin care.

It is noteworthy that in children, symptoms of erythrasma appear extremely rarely. The risk group includes adults, primarily men, who are predominantly overweight and prone to excessive sweating. In this case, in men, the skin in the groin, navel and inner thighs is usually affected, and in women, the entire abdomen, armpits and areas under the breasts are affected.

Causes of pathology

Corynebacteria, which are the causative agents of the disease, are normally always present on human skin. Moreover, they provoke the development of pathology only under certain, favorable conditions. Corynebacteria do not penetrate deeper than the epidermis, and also do not affect nails and hair. Since the appearance of erythrasma is directly related to increased sweating, the disease most often manifests itself in the hot summer season.

Among the main reasons for the development of erythrasma are:

hyperhidrosis;
deviation of the normal pH of the skin to the alkaline side;
diaper rash, constant friction and mechanical damage to the skin;
dermatitis and other skin diseases;
neglect of personal hygiene rules;
wearing synthetic, overly warm clothing;
the use of low-quality care products or the abuse of soap with an antibacterial effect, which destroys the natural protection of the skin.

Erythrasma is transmitted by contact, most often after the use of clothing, bedding and personal hygiene products of the patient. You can also become infected during sexual intercourse, when visiting a pool or bathhouse, and when walking barefoot on the ground or beach. At the same time, it is not always possible to accurately determine the source of infection, because the carrier may not have obvious external manifestations of the disease in the form of characteristic spots and peeling.

How does infection occur?

The contagiousness of pityriasis versicolor is believed to be very low. But not all dermatologists-mycologists support this opinion. Pityriasis versicolor can be contracted from a loved one through personal contact or through household contacts through objects used by the infected person, for example, bedding, towels, clothing, washcloths. You can also pick up a fungus in the fitting room of a store. The incubation period for pityriasis versicolor ranges from two weeks to several months.

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Treatment of erythrasma

To diagnose a patient with erythrasma, a dermatologist first uses a visual examination. This is especially true for rashes in the groin area, which have characteristic distinctive features in the form of pronounced protrusions and bubbles along the edges. Also, the affected areas of the skin are illuminated with a Wood's lamp and a microscopic examination of the scraping is performed to exclude other diagnoses: pityriasis versicolor or pityriasis rosea, candidiasis, dermatitis or eczema.

Treatment of erythrasma is primarily based on the use of antibacterial ointments that are used to treat the affected areas of the skin.

Under their influence, corynebacteria die, and the spots gradually lighten, decrease in diameter and disappear. On average, such therapy takes at least 7-10 days. Used in parallel:

Antiseptics. Treatment with them is carried out before applying antibacterial ointment, as well as after it, to maintain dryness of the affected areas and prevent re-infection.
Antifungal drugs. They are prescribed together with antibacterial drugs, since corynebacteria are similar in structure to fungal micelles.
Exfoliating ointments. They help cleanse the skin of a layer of dead cells, activating its regeneration.
Ultraviolet irradiation. Promotes skin disinfection and restoration. Patients benefit from both natural sunbathing and physiotherapeutic UV irradiation.

If the disease has not reached an advanced stage, the use of external medications is sufficient to solve the problem. But in some cases, with multiple skin lesions, to obtain the desired result, patients are prescribed systemic antibacterial therapy.