bubble_chart Overview Tinea versicolor is a superficial chronic fungal infection of the skin caused by a lipophilic yeast, Pityrosporum orbiculare or ovale. The characteristic skin lesions are punctate or small patches of light brown or grayish-white scaly macules and papules.
bubble_chart Clinical Manifestations
- The disease occurs in summer and becomes latent in winter;
- it commonly affects areas with abundant sweat glands such as the chest, back, armpits, face, and neck;
- the skin lesions appear as small, dotted, or patchy light brown or grayish-white fine scaly spots.
bubble_chart Diagnosis
- Dormant in winter and active in summer;
- Commonly occurs on the chest, back, and other areas;
- Typical skin lesion manifestations;
- Direct microscopic examination of scales reveals short rod-shaped hyphae and round spores;
- Wood's lamp examination shows yellowish-brown fluorescence.
bubble_chart Treatment Measures
- Topical antifungal preparations;
- Systemic antifungal medications may be taken orally when necessary.
Principles of Medication
- For localized skin lesions, topical therapy is the primary approach;
- For extensive and stubborn skin lesions, systemic antifungal medications may be considered.
bubble_chart Cure Criteria
- Cure: Skin lesions subside, fungal direct microscopy is negative once a week for two consecutive times, and filtered ultraviolet lamp examination is negative;
- Improvement: Partial subsidence of skin lesions, fungal direct microscopy is negative or positive, and filtered ultraviolet lamp examination is negative or positive;
- No cure: No improvement in skin lesions, fungal direct microscopy is positive, and filtered ultraviolet lamp examination is positive.