Publication:

Pityriasis versicolor in children: a study of 110 cases

Background Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a cutaneous fungal infection caused by the yeast fungus Malassezia. Though common in adults, children can also develop PV.

Methods 110 cases of clinically and mycologically proven cases of PV in children upto 14 years were included in this study which was conducted in the Dermatology outpatient department of Karuna Medical College, Palakkad over a period of one year.

Results PV in children accounted for 22.63% of total cases of PV seen during the study period. Face was the commonest site involved (78%). Majority (83.64%) presented with hypopigmentation and family history was present in 26%. Most cases (67%) were seen during the months of April to September.

Conclusions PV in children is not rare and it commonly presents as asymptomatic hypopigmented macules over the face.