A Cross-Sectional Study OF Pityriasis Versicolor With Reference to Culture Positivity at KLE’S Dr. Prabhakar Kore Hospital and MRC, Belgaum

Abstract

Background and Objectives : To study the culture positivity rate in clinically diagnosed cases of pityriasis versicolor and to study the various clinical presentation in different skin colour people, risk factors and demographic characteristics of pityriasis versicolor. Material and Methods : The present study is a one year cross- sectional study from November 2008 to October 2009. The patient’s demographic data, location of lesion, risk factors were noted in the pre-tested and pre-designed proforma after taking consent. All the clinically diagnosed cases of pityriasis versicolor were subjected to skin scraping for KOH examination and culture for Malassezia growth. Results : A total of 150 cases were studied, and Malassezia growth was obtained in 82 patients. M.sympodialis was the commonest species isolated. Maximum cases were in the age group of 21-30 years ( 39.33% ) . Male to female ratio was 4.17:1. In the study 60% of the patients were asymptomatic. The neck was the most common site involved and majority of patients had hypopigmented lesions. Conclusion : M.sympodialis was the most common species involved in pityriasis versicolor in North Karnataka.