Ann Dermatol.  2010 Nov;22(4):456-459. 10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.456.

Atrophying Pityriasis Versicolor: Is This a New Variant of Pityriasis Versicolor?

• Yang YS
• Shin MK
• Haw CR

• KMID: 2266187
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2010.22.4.456

Abstract

An atypical clinical form of pityriasis versicolor has been infrequently reported, in which cutaneous atrophy is associated with individual pityriasis versicolor lesions. The pathogenesis of this atrophy remains unclear, but is believed to be a delayed-type hypersensitivity reaction to antigens derived from the Malassezia species. A 60-year-old man presented with multiple, slightly scaly, and depressed maculopatches or plaques on the trunk and extremities. Our microscopic examination of the skin scrapings on a KOH preparation revealed numerous short hyphae and spores. The patient was treated daily with 200 mg of itraconazole in combination with topical antifungals, achieving clinical improvement and mycological recovery, which was confirmed upon follow-up 1 month later. This is the first case report of atrophying pityriasis versicolor in Korea. It needs to be differentiated from other atrophying disorders of the skin.

Keyword

Atrophy; Pityriasis versicolor

MeSH Terms

Atrophy
Extremities
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Hypersensitivity
Hyphae
Itraconazole
Korea
Malassezia
Middle Aged
Pityriasis
Skin
Spores
Tinea Versicolor
Itraconazole

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Numerous coin-sized confluent erythematous atrophic patches or plaques with scales on the back (A), upper arm (B), and buttock and thigh (C).

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  Fig. 2 (A) Multiple roundish spores with some hyphae of Malassezia in the horny layer and focal thinning of the epidermis (H&E, ×200). (B) Focal decreased and fragmented elastic fibers (Verhoff-van Gieson, ×200).

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