Pityriasis versicolor: photos, contagious, does it scratch?

Behind the name pityriasis versicolor hides a mycosis of the skin caused by a fungus (a yeast). Versicolor means that the stain changes color, shade. Pityriasis versicolor does not scratch or hurt. How do you get pityriasis versicolor? Is it contagious ? Does it go away? How to get rid of it?

What is the definition of pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is a benign superficial cutaneous mycosis which results in the appearance of spots on the skin. This mycosis is an infection caused by a microscopic fungus. In the case of pytiriasis versicolor it is a Malassezia yeast. “This affection is benign, its only drawback is the resulting unsightly appearance”, insists Dr Clélia Vanhaecke, Hospital Practitioner at the Dermatology-Venereology Department CHU Reims. The disease is common in summer and tends to subside in winter.

What are the symptoms of pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is manifested by very characteristic symptoms:

• I’appearance of spots localized rounded or oval mainly on the bust, the upper part of the back and the scalp. Other areas such as the arms may more rarely be the site of lesions.
• These spots can be hyperpigmented (darker than the usual skin color) or, more often, hypopigmented (lighter than the skin), especially on slightly darker skin, or on skin pigmented by the sun.
• The lesions may be discreetly scaly (surmounted by small white skins).

Photo of pityriasis versicolor

Is it contagious ?

No. Pityriasis versicolor is not considered contagious.

Does it scratch?

Pityriasis versicolor is visible and therefore bothersome, but it does not cause pain or itching.

What causes pityriasis versicolor?

The cause of pityriasis versicolor is infectious, due to a yeast, genus Malassezia. Present in the normal state in 9 out of 10 people, this yeast proliferates in a humid environment and in the event of heat. Human-to-human contagion is very rare and controversial.

What are the factors conducive to pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is favored by:

• The heat
• humidity
• Perspiration
• Oily skin
• The application of greasy substances such as sun creams or greasy creams (too rich)
• A young age: the older you get, the less risk you run, since the skin dries out with age.
• Other external factors can be incriminated such as malnutrition and certain situations leading to a reduction in immune defenses (pregnancy, use of cream with cortisone).

The diagnosis is clinicalthat is, based on the examination made by the doctor. “If necessary, a superficial skin sample (scotch test) can be performed to confirm the diagnosis, this examination is not necessary in the majority of cases”, says the doctor.

What treatment to get rid of pityriasis versicolor?

The treatment of pityriasis versicolor is based on an antifungal treatment, most often local : that’s to say cream, lotion or foaming gelt for use in the shower, based on ketoconazole notably. “The duration of treatment must be respected, even in the event of rapid disappearance of the lesions, this duration varies according to the extent of the lesions, if it is a first episode or a recurrence, it can vary from a single dose to a 3-week treatment”, details Dr. Vanhaecke. A systemic treatment, by tablet, can sometimes be decided. Recurrence is frequent, due to the persistence of the presence of the fungus on the skin, and the contributing factors.

What prevention to avoid pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor cannot be prevented, but its progression can be slowed. For this it is essential:

• to wear cotton clothes, if possible not too tight to avoid maceration
• to possibly take a background treatment (regular applications or taking regular tablets), prescribed by the doctor, in the event of frequent recurrences,

Thanks to Doctor Clélia Vanhaecke, Hospital Practitioner, Dermatology-Venereology Department CHU Reims, Member of the GrIDIST (Dermatological Infectiology Group Sexually Transmitted Infections) of the French Society of Dermatology (SFD).