Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities
Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a prevalent superficial mycosis caused by saprophytic yeasts of the Malassezia genus. It primarily affects adolescents and young adults, presenting as hypo- or hyperpigmented macules on the skin, commonly located on the trunk and upper arms. While various topica...
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| Format: | Article |
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Kazimierz Wielki University
2025-01-01
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| Series: | Journal of Education, Health and Sport |
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| Online Access: | https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57171 |
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| author | Jakub Parys Agnieszka Mikosińska Martyna Kaźmierczak Patrycja Kałuziak Maciej Mossakowski Marta Jajczak Aleksandra Witek Stanisław Jesionek Mateusz Litwin |
| author_facet | Jakub Parys Agnieszka Mikosińska Martyna Kaźmierczak Patrycja Kałuziak Maciej Mossakowski Marta Jajczak Aleksandra Witek Stanisław Jesionek Mateusz Litwin |
| author_sort | Jakub Parys |
| collection | DOAJ |
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Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a prevalent superficial mycosis caused by saprophytic yeasts of the Malassezia genus. It primarily affects adolescents and young adults, presenting as hypo- or hyperpigmented macules on the skin, commonly located on the trunk and upper arms. While various topical and systemic antifungal treatments are available, high relapse rates remain a significant clinical challenge. The condition often leads to psychological distress due to visible lesions on the skin surface.
Aim of the study: Given its high prevalence (reaching up to 50% in some tropical regions) and its psychosocial implications, pityriasis versicolor remains a critical dermatological concern. This study aims to synthesize current medical knowledge about the condition, focusing on the efficacy, indications, and limitations of available treatment options, especially in addressing recurrent cases.
State of knowledge: Pityriasis versicolor is well-characterized in terms of its etiology and clinical manifestations. Numerous therapeutic interventions have been investigated, ranging from topical agents like azoles or terbinafine to systemic treatments such as itraconazole and fluconazole. Despite these advancements, a universally accepted gold standard for treatment remains undefined, and patient adherence often is a barrier to successful outcomes.
Conclusion: Despite significant progress in understanding and managing pityriasis versicolor, further research is essential. Future efforts should aim to optimize treatment efficacy, reduce relapse rates, and minimize adverse effects. Randomized controlled trials with larger and more diverse populations are particularly needed to establish standardized protocols and explore innovative therapies, including prophylactic measures and targeted treatments.
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| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-049e07a67bff4afeb9399f7f8f485d1d |
| institution | Kabale University |
| issn | 2391-8306 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-01-01 |
| publisher | Kazimierz Wielki University |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Journal of Education, Health and Sport |
| spelling | doaj-art-049e07a67bff4afeb9399f7f8f485d1d2025-01-08T08:16:37ZengKazimierz Wielki UniversityJournal of Education, Health and Sport2391-83062025-01-017710.12775/JEHS.2025.77.57171Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilitiesJakub Parys0https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1955-7865Agnieszka Mikosińska1https://orcid.org/0009-0003-0891-9089Martyna Kaźmierczak2https://orcid.org/0009-0007-7798-0069Patrycja Kałuziak3https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0976-1523Maciej Mossakowski4https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0423-2083Marta Jajczak5https://orcid.org/0009-0009-6000-7769Aleksandra Witek6https://orcid.org/0009-0002-1214-2199Stanisław Jesionek7https://orcid.org/0009-0004-6026-702XMateusz Litwin8https://orcid.org/0009-0006-5131-1863Central Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, PolandCentral Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, PolandCentral Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, PolandCharles Jonscher Medical Center, ul. Milionowa 14, 93-113 Łódź, PolandCentral Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, PolandUniversity Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Łódź, PolandCentral Clinical Hospital of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Pomorska 251, 92-213 Łódź, Poland Pabianice Medical Center Sp. o.o., ul. Jana Pawła II 68, 95-200 Pabianice, PolandUniversity Clinical Hospital No.2 of Medical University of Lodz, ul. Żeromskiego 113, 90-549 Łódź, Poland Background: Pityriasis versicolor is a prevalent superficial mycosis caused by saprophytic yeasts of the Malassezia genus. It primarily affects adolescents and young adults, presenting as hypo- or hyperpigmented macules on the skin, commonly located on the trunk and upper arms. While various topical and systemic antifungal treatments are available, high relapse rates remain a significant clinical challenge. The condition often leads to psychological distress due to visible lesions on the skin surface. Aim of the study: Given its high prevalence (reaching up to 50% in some tropical regions) and its psychosocial implications, pityriasis versicolor remains a critical dermatological concern. This study aims to synthesize current medical knowledge about the condition, focusing on the efficacy, indications, and limitations of available treatment options, especially in addressing recurrent cases. State of knowledge: Pityriasis versicolor is well-characterized in terms of its etiology and clinical manifestations. Numerous therapeutic interventions have been investigated, ranging from topical agents like azoles or terbinafine to systemic treatments such as itraconazole and fluconazole. Despite these advancements, a universally accepted gold standard for treatment remains undefined, and patient adherence often is a barrier to successful outcomes. Conclusion: Despite significant progress in understanding and managing pityriasis versicolor, further research is essential. Future efforts should aim to optimize treatment efficacy, reduce relapse rates, and minimize adverse effects. Randomized controlled trials with larger and more diverse populations are particularly needed to establish standardized protocols and explore innovative therapies, including prophylactic measures and targeted treatments. https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57171pityriasis versicolortinea versicolormycosisMalasseziaantifungal agents |
| spellingShingle | Jakub Parys Agnieszka Mikosińska Martyna Kaźmierczak Patrycja Kałuziak Maciej Mossakowski Marta Jajczak Aleksandra Witek Stanisław Jesionek Mateusz Litwin Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities Journal of Education, Health and Sport pityriasis versicolor tinea versicolor mycosis Malassezia antifungal agents |
| title | Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities |
| title_full | Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities |
| title_fullStr | Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities |
| title_full_unstemmed | Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities |
| title_short | Pityriasis versicolor: insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities |
| title_sort | pityriasis versicolor insight into current knowledge and treatment possibilities |
| topic | pityriasis versicolor tinea versicolor mycosis Malassezia antifungal agents |
| url | https://apcz.umk.pl/JEHS/article/view/57171 |
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