Tinea versicolor: Epidemiologic, clinical, and therapeutic aspects

Age of the patient, climate, season, and local environmental factors influence the onset and course of tinea versicolor (pityriasis versicolor).A number of effective topical therapies are available.In addition, a single dose of 400 mg oforal ketoconazole eliminates the disease and can be used prophylactically in some cases to prevent recurrence.(J AM ACAD DERMATOL 1991;25:300-5.)Tinea versicolor is a common superficial fungus infection that most frequently affects the trunk, neck, and/or upper arms.Lesions are slightly scaly, papular, and nummular, or they may be confluent and involve large portions of the body.[3][4][5][6][7] EPIDEMIOLOGIC ASPECTS Prevalence Although tinea versicolor occurs worldwide, it is especially common in hot, humid tropical climates; for example, in Samoa and Liberia, almost half the adult population may be affected.An overall prevalence rate of 30% or more probably occurs in tropical zones. 6 , 7 The actual frequency of the disease in temperate climates is not known. 8 In the U.S. National Health Survey (1971 to 1974) 28,000 persons from 1 to 74 years of age, tinea versicolor was found in 0.8%.9, 10 Faergemann and FredrikssonII surveyed 20,962 patients and identified 232 (1.1 %) with tinea versicolor.