Pityriasis versicolor: current state of the problem

Abstract

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor) lichen (PVL) is a chronic superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by the proliferation of lipophilic yeast (Malassezia species) in the stratum corneum of the epidermis. Multicolored lichen is a disease that is widespread everywhere, but it is more common in those countries where the temperature and humidity are elevated. People of both young and old age are ill, the disease is also registered in children. The main causative agents of the so-called malasseziosis, which includes ringworm, are Malassezia sympodialis, Malassezia globosa, Malassezia furfur, Malassezia restricta. Mushrooms of the genus Malassezia are the only representatives of the kingdom of fungi that are commensals of normal human skin. Malassezia spp. – lipophilic fungus, therefore, the intensity of skin colonization is associated with the function of sebaceous glands, a change in the chemical composition of the fatty mantle. In the population, the incidence statistically depends on: age (peak incidence is at the age of 14–40 years); gender differences (men are 1.5–2 times more likely to get sick); the presence of concomitant diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, endocrine disorders, vegetative diseases, immunodeficiency of various etiologies; geographical latitude (in temperate climates – about 2%, in tropical – up to 40% of the total population); professional activity of patients (in persons engaged in physical labor, sweating profusely); hereditary predisposition. The skin of the chest and back is a favorite place of localization, less often the elements are noted on the skin of the neck, abdomen, lateral surfaces of the trunk, and the outer surface of the shoulders. In addition, rashes can be found on the scalp, but without hair damage, sometimes in the inguinal folds and axillary areas. According to the 2020 Clinical Guidelines of the Russian Federation for the treatment of multicolored lichen, external (topical therapy) is used for limited forms of the disease. The article presents our own clinical observations of the effectiveness of using the Russian-made drug Acrimicol (2% sertaconazole cream).