Pityriasis versicolor: difficult to understand, difficult to overcome

Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is a skin condition that usually appears on the trunk and that is caused by the development of fungal colonies. It causes isolated or confluent round patches to appear, ranging in color from brown, to pink, to white. This trait gives the condition its name (‘versicolor’ meaning ‘color change’). While pityriasis versicolor is most prevalent during the fall and spring, the underlying mycosis can sometimes go completely undetected. This is because the patches of mycosis usually blend in, or have little contrast with the natural color of the skin. However, when the affected skin is exposed to the sun, the sterilizing effect of UV rays causes the colonies to die, desquamate and leave much more noticeable discolored patches in their place.
Against tanned skin, the patches are, of course, much more obvious. It is important to note that the patches are the outcome of fungal colonies having been present and are not the condition in and of itself.

What is pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is a mycosis caused by the spread of numerous Malassezia furfur yeast colonies. This yeast lives in the hair follicles of adults and is usually invisible, but it can overgrow to visibly colonize the surface of the skin, including that of the trunk, neck and arms.

What does pityriasis versicolor look like?

Pityriasis versicolor causes the development of isolated or clustered patches. They will usually appear on the trunk and, depending on the stage of infection, will be a different color. When fungal growth begins, the colonies may take on a pinkish-color, or will blend in with the color of the skin. When the colonies detach due to desquamation, treatment or sun exposure, the skin remains lighter in color, at which point the condition becomes more visible. In some cases, patches of varying colors may be present at any one time, thus the mycosis’ name ‘versicolor’ (color change). The patches may also flake like dandruff (pityriasis).

Is pityriasis versicolor contagious?

Pityriasis versicolor is not contagious. In couples who live together, for example, it is common to observe just one partner who is affected by pityriasis versicolor. This is because the Malassezia furfur yeast is a saprophyte (it ordinarily lives on the skin), and colony growth is a particularity that only occurs in certain individuals and /or under specific conditions.

Is it necessary to sterilize clothing or textiles?

As the fungus normally lives and grows on human skin, it is not necessary to sterilize clothing or textiles in cases of pityriasis versicolor.

What are the causes of pityriasis versicolor?

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by the overgrowth of yeasts belonging to the Malassezia species. These yeasts live normally inside the hair follicles in particularly gland-rich areas (e.g. the trunk), but in particular conditions, such as humid heat, these yeasts develop by going on to colonize the surface of the skin.

The illusion of pityriasis versicolor and antifungals

As pityriasis versicolor is caused by the overgrowth of skin yeasts, many believe that using either systematic or topical antifungal drugs will treat the condition. However, this is not the case, because the yeast is one that naturally exists on human skin. It hasn’t, for example, been acquired from dogs, cats or from soil, which means that the Malassezia yeasts will immediately reproduce on the skin once treatment has finished. At best, antifungal products will result in the temporary remission of pityriasis versicolor, followed by an inevitable relapse which can cause frustration among patients. In addition, such products (especially oral) should not be used as they have high levels of toxicity to the body and also destroy the intestinal yeasts that aid proper digestion.

DermaClub’s treatment for pityriasis versicolor

DermaClub’s treatment principle lies in the observation that, in many cases, pityriasis versicolor lasts for years, before spontaneously disappearing to never come back again. The idea is, then, to recondition the skin so that it can keep the fungi away from its surface, while simultaneously strengthening the skin’s autonomous defenses. This reconditioning process is effective, easy-to-use and non-toxic, thanks to salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur. These two ingredients enhance one another and can be used in cycles of fifteen days to produce long-term results against Malassezia furfur colonies. The application routine is so unlike many antifungal creams that must be applied twice a day. The reconditioning plan is as follows: 2S Cream, with salicylic acid and colloidal sulfur, is applied to the patches and any neighboring areas every evening between the months of September to May. For those chronically affected by pityriasis versicolor, start treatment in September until the end of May. Repeat application for seven consecutive evenings. Apply the cream one evening, every fifteen days (twice per month), until the summer months when the opportunity for sun exposure increases (June to August). Discontinue use of 2S Cream during periods of sun exposure as the sun acts as a natural disinfectant against fungi. Do not apply any other creams to areas affected by pityriasis versicolor. Do not apply sunscreen in order to reap the full benefits of sun exposure, taking care not to burn the skin.

The paradox of pityriasis versicolor white patches

Especially during months where the skin becomes more tanned, the patches caused by pityriasis versicolor can be particularly noticeable which may cause discomfort to the individual. Paradoxically, however, these white patches only appear when the fungus has actually been eradicated through sun exposure or through treatment. While sun exposure is enough to repigment white patches, this can take time, as the fungus leaves some toxicity on the skin. Therefore, it is good to get rid of fungal colonies in the months before sun exposure so that the skin can shed any lingering toxicity that may slow repigmentation.

Conclusion

Pityriasis versicolor is very common and causes the formation of patches that can be difficult to get rid of. However, the fungus will soon disappear for good if DermaClub’s treatment plan is promptly followed.