It is a skin infection caused by Malassezia furfur which occurs in warm and humid climate and common among young adults.
Symptoms
- Well defined hypopigmented small macules with fine branny scales which are not itchy.
- Many small spots may coalesce to form a large depigmented spot.
- Classical sites are front of chest, back of chest, sides of neck, upper arm and face.
- Sweating aggravates the conditions.
- Asymptomatic except cosmetic problems.
Causes
Caused by fungi like trichophyton, Epidermatophyton or Microsporium.
Diagnosis
Done by demonstration of hyphae on examination of skin scrapings, hairs or nail clipping after dissolving in 10-20% KOH and examining under light microscope.
Treatment
- Maintenance of good personal hygiene.
- Sodium Thiosulphate (20% aqueous solution) once daily for 3 weeks used locally.
- Selenium Sulphide (2.5%) apply at night and wash off in morning for 4 weeks.
- Oral ketoconazole 200 mg OD for 1 week in resistant cases.