PVO(Pityriasis Versicolor)

PVO (Pityriasis Versicolor)

Definition: PVO is a superficial fungal infection of the skin caused by Malassezia species. It is also known as Tinea Versicolor. The condition is characterized by patches of discolored skin, usually on the chest, back, and shoulders.

Causes / Etiology: PVO is caused by the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast, which is naturally present on the skin. The exact reason for the overgrowth is not known but it is believed to be due to factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals.

Types or Classification: There are two types of PVO:

1. Acute PVO: Characterized by sudden onset of symptoms and usually affects people with oily skin.
2. Chronic PVO: A persistent condition with periodic flare-ups and often affects people with normal or dry skin.

Pathology: The steps involved in the development of PVO are as follows: Step 1 → The Malassezia yeast present on the skin begins to multiply and produces enzymes that break down the fatty acids in the skin's natural oils. Step 2 → The broken-down fatty acids are then converted into a compound called squalene, which is toxic to the skin cells. Step 3 → The squalene produced by the yeast causes the skin cells to die and flake off, leading to the formation of patches of discolored skin.

Clinical Features: The general features of PVO include:

• Patches of discolored skin that are lighter or darker than the surrounding skin.
• The patches may be scaly, flaky, or smooth.
• The condition usually affects the chest, back, and shoulders.

The specific features of PVO include:

• The patches may be itchy or tender to the touch.
• The condition may be accompanied by a feeling of itching or burning.
• The patches may change color with changes in temperature or humidity.

Complications: The acute complications of PVO include:

• Skin infections, such as folliculitis or abscesses.

The chronic complications of PVO include:

• Scarring of the skin.
• Permanent discoloration of the skin.

Diagnosis / Investigations: The diagnosis of PVO is usually made based on the clinical features and skin scrapings. The investigations include:

• Skin scrapings: A sample of skin is taken from the affected area and examined under a microscope for the presence of Malassezia yeast.
• Wood's lamp examination: A special lamp that emits ultraviolet light is used to examine the skin for the presence of Malassezia yeast.
• Fungal culture: A sample of skin is taken and cultured to confirm the presence of Malassezia yeast.

Management: The management of PVO includes:

• Topical treatments: Antifungal creams or shampoos are applied to the affected area to kill the Malassezia yeast.
• Systemic treatments: Oral antifungal medications may be prescribed in severe cases.
• Dietary advice: A balanced diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates may help to prevent the condition.

Homeopathic Therapeutics: The following homeopathic remedies are used to treat PVO:

1. Arsenicum album:

• It is used to treat the acute symptoms of PVO, such as itching and burning.
• It is also used to treat the chronic symptoms, such as scarring and permanent discoloration.
• The symptoms that it is used to treat include:
  • Itching and burning sensations on the skin.
  • Scaly and flaky skin.
  • Permanent discoloration of the skin.
• The dose of Arsenicum album is 30c or 200c, taken twice a day.

2. Graphites:

• It is used to treat the chronic symptoms of PVO, such as scarring and permanent discoloration.
• It is also used to treat the skin symptoms, such as dryness and scaling.
• The symptoms that it is used to treat include:
  • Scarring of the skin.
  • Permanent discoloration of the skin.
  • Dryness and scaling of the skin.
• The dose of Graphites is 30c or 200c, taken twice a day.

3. Merc sol:

• It is used to treat the acute symptoms of PVO, such as itching and burning.
• It is also used to treat the chronic symptoms, such as scarring and permanent discoloration.
• The symptoms that it is used to treat include:
  • Itching and burning sensations on the skin.
  • Scaly and flaky skin.
  • Permanent discoloration of the skin.
• The dose of Merc sol is 30c or 200c, taken twice a day.

4. Sulphur:

• It is used to treat the chronic symptoms of PVO, such as scarring and permanent discoloration.
• It is also used to treat the skin symptoms, such as dryness and scaling.
• The symptoms that it is used to treat include:
  • Scarring of the skin.
  • Permanent discoloration of the skin.
  • Dryness and scaling of the skin.
• The dose of Sulphur is 30c or 200c, taken twice a day.

5. Thuja occidentalis:

• It is used to treat the skin symptoms of PVO, such as scaly and flaky skin.
• It is also used to treat the chronic symptoms, such as scarring and permanent discoloration.
• The symptoms that it is used to treat include:
  • Scaly and flaky skin.
  • Permanent discoloration of the skin.
  • Scarring of the skin.
• The dose of Thuja occidentalis is 30c or 200c, taken twice a day.