Study on Pityriasis versicolor in Patients Referred to Clinics in Tabriz

Background: Tinea versicolor is a superficial mycosis caused by Malassezia furfur, and is exclusively localized in the corneal layer of adults epidermis. Objectives: To evaluate the epidemiological features of tinea versicolor, including its incidence among different age groups, genders and other personal status. Materials and methods: The study was conducted between 2009 and 2011 on 1023 patients who presented skin disease suspected to tinea versicolor. Of all patients; 671 females (66%) and 352 males (34%) were studied for this mycosis and the fungal distribution from the view point of age and anatomical region of mycosis were analyzed. Results: The disease was more prevalent in 21-40 years old age group in both genders. The most infected anatomical regions were posterior surface, the body trunk (shoulder, supra scapula and lumbar region), anterior thorax and abdomen, respectively. The number of female cases was significantly more than males; this probably reflects the concern of females about their skin health. Conclusions: Patients who regularly use the local saunas had poor personal hygiene and greasy skin, and were more suspected to tinea versicolor infection.