From the Research
Hypopigmentation due to Pityriasis Versicolor on the face is typically treated with topical antifungal medications, with ketoconazole 2% cream or shampoo being a common first-line treatment, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 1. The treatment of hypopigmentation due to Pityriasis Versicolor on the face involves the use of antifungal medications to target the underlying cause of the condition, which is the lipophilic yeast Malassezia.
- The first-line treatment includes topical antifungals such as ketoconazole 2% cream or shampoo applied to affected areas once or twice daily for 2-4 weeks.
- Selenium sulfide 2.5% lotion can also be used, applied for 10 minutes daily for 7 days.
- For more extensive cases, oral antifungals may be prescribed, including fluconazole, itraconazole, or ketoconazole. It's essential to note that while the fungal infection clears relatively quickly with treatment, the hypopigmented patches may take months to repigment even after successful treatment, especially with sun exposure, as highlighted in a study on pigmentation disorders 2.
- Patients should be advised to use sun protection as the affected areas are susceptible to sunburn.
- Recurrence is common, so maintenance therapy with topical treatments once or twice monthly may be recommended, as suggested by a systematic review of interventions for Pityriasis Versicolor 3. The condition is caused by the lipophilic yeast Malassezia, which interferes with normal melanin production in the skin, leading to the characteristic light-colored patches, as discussed in a narrative review on the diagnosis and management of Pityriasis Versicolor 1.