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INTRODUCTION
Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a common disorder known by various names like PV, Dermatomycosis perforatia, Tinea flava, Liver spots or Achromia parasitica. Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial mycosis, affecting the superficial layer of statum corneum. It is characterized by hypopigmented, hyperpigmented, leucodermal or erythematous scaly macules or patches primarily on trunk and proximal extremities. It is caused by Malassezia furfur which was first recognized as a fungal disease in 1846 by Eichstedt and demonstrated in the scales of Tinea versicolor by Robin in 1853 [1]. Here we present a case of PV in which the lesions were localized only to the upper limbs and hypopigmentation was so marked that they closely resembled vitiligo.
CASE HISTORY
A 25 year old male, shopkeeper by profession presented with asymptomatic almost depigmented patches on both upper limbs since 6 months. On examination, bilaterally symmetrical depigmented patches of size 7cmX31cm with well defined irregular margins were present on flexor aspect of bilateral upper limbs (Fig. 1 [See PDF]). Depigmented to hypopigmented macules and patches of size ranging from 0.5cmX0.5cm to 1cmX1cm were present on dorsum of both hands (Fig. 2 [See PDF]). Some of the macules were coalesceing to form patches with polycyclic margins. These lesions were not associated with any obvious scaling, however mild scaling could be observed on scraping the lesions. Hair, nails and mucus membranes were normal. Based on clinical findings differential diagnosis of Vitiligo and PV was kept. On Wood’s lamp examination the yellow hue of the lesions indicated the lesions to be of PV.
Figure 1 [See PDF]
Bilaterally symmetrical depigmented patches of size 7cmX31cm with well defined irregular margins were present on flexor aspect of bilateral upper limbs.
Figure 2 [See PDF]
Depigmented to hypopigmented macules and patches...