What is pityriasis versicolor?
Everyone gets Pityrosporum orbiculare on their bodies at some point in life. This causes the person no problems unless it starts to grow excessively. Little is known of why this happens, but pityriasis versicolor is very common in subtropical and tropical regions. It is liable to flourish during the summer in this country. Profuse perspiration and high production of sebum (oil) by the skin make it easier for the fungus to multiply and spread. An immunodeficiency, for example HIV infection, also makes it easier for the fungus to spread.