History: Pityriasis versicolor is a common superficial fungal infection of skin caused by the dimorphic, lipophilic organism, Malassezia furfur. It is characterized by hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules and patches on the chest and the back. Malassezia furfur is a component of the normal flora of skin but it can also be an opportunistic pathogen. The organism is considered to be a factor in other cutaneous diseases, including Pityrosporum folliculitis, confluent and reticulate papillomatosis, and seborrheic dermatitis.
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