Penile involvement in pityriasis versicolor.

Abstract

Pityriasis versicolor is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia furfur (Pityrosporum orbiculare) which is a part of the normal flora of the human skin. The factors which govern the pathogenic conversion of this fungus are not fully understood but a hot humid environment is considered to be a predisposing factor and the disease is very common in tropical countries. Clinically the disease is characterized by scaly hypo- or hyperpigmented macular lesions that are typically located in the trunk, neck and upper arms. The penis is rarely affected. In this report a patient of pityriasis versicolor with involvement of the shaft of the penis is presented.