Dermatology · UKMLA & AKT
Pityriasis versicolor
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test, covering how to recognise this condition. The full SA Note notes add investigations, management and complications, with practice questions on this topic.
Key high-yield points
- Superficial fungal infection caused by Malassezia yeast (lipophilic, normal skin commensal)
- Most common in adolescents/young adults, males, after time in hot/humid environments
- Malassezia overgrowth → azelaic acid → inhibits tyrosinase → reduced melanin → hypopigmented patches
- Melanocytes are suppressed, not destroyed - distinguishes PV from vitiligo; repigmentation possible after treatment
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