A 36-year-old man comes in to talk about a skin rash on his shoulders and upper chest. The patient initially noticed the rash while on vacation at a seaside resort two months ago. The rash has developed over time and is accompanied by slight itching, but he has no other symptoms. The patient is a road construction worker who frequently works in hot, humid conditions. Seasonal allergies and childhood asthma are significant medical histories. He does not consume either cigarettes or alcohol. The results of the skin examination are depicted in the figure below. Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

Question

A 36-year-old man comes in to talk about a skin rash on his shoulders and upper chest. The patient initially noticed the rash while on vacation at a seaside resort two months ago. The rash has developed over time and is accompanied by slight itching, but he has no other symptoms. The patient is a road construction worker who frequently works in hot, humid conditions. Seasonal allergies and childhood asthma are significant medical histories. He does not consume either cigarettes or alcohol. The results of the skin examination are depicted in the figure below.  Which of the following is the most likely cause of this patient's condition?

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Eductional Objective: Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor) is an illness of the skin caused by Malassezia species. It results in erythematous, hyperpigmented, or hypopigmented macules and patches. Malassezia produces spores and hyphae, resulting in the distinctive "spaghetti and meatballs" look on KOH preparation light microscopy.

A 36-Year-Old Man Comes in to Talk About a Skin