Dermatology · UKMLA & AKT
Pityriasis versicolor
A free high-yield preview for the UKMLA Applied Knowledge Test. Below are the key points to recognise pityriasis versicolor — the full SA Note notes add investigations, management, complications and 10 practice questions.
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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