What is pityriasis versicolor and what causes it?
Pityriasis versicolor is a rash caused by a yeast-like germ called ‘pityrosporum’. Small numbers of this germ commonly live on the skin, and do no harm. However, some people seem prone to this germ multiplying on their skin more than usual, which leads to a rash. Often the germ multiplies and causes the rash for no apparent reason. In some cases, hot, sunny, or humid weather seems to ‘trigger’ the germ to multiply on the skin.
