• -It is a common infection in young individuals
  • -
The cause is because of the presence of a yeast (fungus) called malassezia furfur.

 

 

  • -Clinically is causes depigmented patches with fine scales on the surface (pityriasiform desquamation)

 

  • -Diagnosis is straightforward and clinical:
  1. -Scraping the lesions causes accentuation of scales.
  2. -Microscopical examination of the scales after the scotch test provides a definitive diagnosis with an appearance of spores and hyphae called “spaghetti and meatballs.”

 

 

  • -Treatment is easy and consists of applying antifungal creams.
However the condition tends to recur and a weekly prevention with selenium sulphide shampoo (selsun) can help.