BACKGROUND Malassezia species are lipophilic yeasts found on the skin surface of humans and other warm-blooded vertebrates. It is associated with various human diseases, especially pityriasis versicolor, which is a chronic superficial skin disorder. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to identify Malassezia species isolated from patients' samples affected by pityriasis versicolor, usi...

INTRODUCTION This study was developed to evaluate the situation of leprosy in the general population of the municipality of Buriticupu, State of Maranhão, Brazil. METHODS We used the method of active search to identify new cases from 2008 to 2010. Bacilloscopy of intradermal scrapings was performed in all patients with skin lesions compatible with leprosy, and histopathological examination in...

BACKGROUND Pityriasis (tinea) versicolor has a high tendency to recur after being treated successfully. Prophylactic treatment to reduce recurrence is needed. OBJECTIVE To determine whether recurrence of pityriasis versicolor could be prevented by prophylactic itraconazole treatment. DESIGN Open treatment followed by a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase. SETTING Multinatio...

Occupational and recreational aquatic activity predisposes our population to a wide variety of dermatoses. Sunburn, urticaria, jellyfish stings, and contact dermatitis to rubber equipment are common allergies that are encountered in the aquatic environment. Among the infections, tinea versicolor, intertrigo, and verruca vulgaris are widespread. Swimmer's itch may occur due to skin penetration b...

Malassezia furfur is the lipophilic yeast which causes tinea versicolor and is an uncommon cause of fungaemia. It usually occurs in the context of hyperalimentation with lipid emulsion, immunosuppression, or the presence of a central venous catheter. We report a case of a ventilator-dependent patient who developed Malassezia furfur fungaemia in the absence of these known risk factors. A likely ...

Epidermodysplasia verruciformis (EV) is a rare genodermatosis characterized by increased sensitivity to infection by the β-subtype of human papillomaviruses (β-HPVs), causing persistent, tinea versicolor-like dermal lesions. In a majority of affected individuals, these macular lesions progress to invasive cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) in sun-exposed areas. While mutations in transmem...

BACKGROUND Tinea (pityriasis) versicolor is a superficial infection of the stratum corneum by the lipophilic fungus known as Malassezia furfur. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a 400 mg single dose or 7-day 200 mg daily dose of itraconazole capsules in the treatment of mycologically confirmed pityriasis versicolor. METHODS A total of 50 patients were entered into a randomize...