Pityriasis Versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin, driven by an overgrowth of Malassezia yeast that normally lives on everyone’s skin. It is particularly common across Southeast and South Asia, where heat and humidity give the yeast ideal conditions to multiply.

Medicine used to treat Pityriasis Versicolor

Sporanox

Itraconazole

100mg

This medication is formulated to help manage severe fungal infections and intended to relieve symptoms associated with systemic candidiasis or aspergillosis.

From $5.00 / tablet View

How the patches appear

The most noticeable sign is uneven skin colour: patches that are lighter than the surrounding skin in tanned or darker complexions, or slightly pink and scaly in paler skin. They typically appear on the chest, back, shoulders and upper arms. The patches do not tan the same way as unaffected skin, so they often become more visible after sun exposure. Mild itching can occur, though many people have no itch at all.

Treating pityriasis versicolor

Antifungal treatment clears the active infection. Oral options such as itraconazole are commonly used when the affected area is widespread. Topical agents from the antifungals category work well for more localised patches. Skin colour can take weeks or months to even out after the yeast is eliminated, even when treatment has been fully effective.

Reoccurrence is common in warm, humid settings, so many people in tropical climates treat preventively before the peak summer months.