title: Clinical aspects of patients with pityriasis versicolor seen at a referral center for tropical dermatology in Manaus, Amazonas, Brazil.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor) is a chronic superficial mycosis caused by yeasts of the Malassezia spp. genus commensal of the keratinized layers of the skin. Under conditions not yet understood, it becomes pathogenic determining the clinical manifestations of the disease. It is a recurrent skin condition and persistent hypopigmentation may remain after treatment, causing social problems to those affected.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe the clinical and epidemiological features of patients diagnosed with tinea versicolor treated at a referral center for dermatology (Alfredo da Matta Foundation).
  
  
  METHODS
  Case-studies in which cutaneous manifestations and epidemiological characteristics of patients diagnosed with tinea versicolor treated at Alfredo da Matta Foundation were detailed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  One hundred and sixteen patients were included in the study from January to August 2008. Most subjects were male, of mixed ethnicity and young age. Most were students who were predisposed to the development of macules. The majority had extensive injuries and past history of the disease.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results revealed a high proportion of individuals with extensive clinical manifestations and duration of the disease.
authors.affiliation: Federal University of Amazonas, Brazil. pattymmorais@hotmail.com
authors.forename: Patrícia Motta de
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Morais
authors.forename: Maria da Graça Souza
authors.initials: Mda G
authors.lastname: Cunha
authors.forename: Maria Zeli Moreira
authors.initials: MZ
authors.lastname: Frota
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001938:Brazil / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009790:Occupations / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D012008:Recurrence; D014010:Tinea Versicolor / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult