Pigmentary Disorders > Tinea Nigra / Tinea Versicolor / Pityriasis Versicolor

Description

Tinea versicolor is also called Pityriasis versicolor and is a superficial fungal infection of the stratum corneum. The causative agent for the pigmentary disorder is a lipophilic yeast that has been given several names. Currently, it is known as Pityrosporum ovale and is synonymous with Microsporon furfur, Malassazia furfur, and Pityrosporum orbiculare. It may induce enlarged melanosomes (pigment granules) within basal melanocytes resulting in hyperpigmented pityriasis versicolor.