What is the treatment for pityriasis versicolor?
• Ketoconazole shampoo (2%) is commonly advised. You can buy this at pharmacies, and it is also available on prescription. Ketoconazole kills the germ that causes this rash. Apply the shampoo ‘neat’ to affected areas, and then wash off after five minutes. Repeat each day for five days. Some doctors advise that you should then apply the shampoo about once a week for six months to try and clear the skin completely of the germ. • Selenium sulphide shampoo is an alternative. It is not strictly licensed for the treatment of this rash, but it works. You can buy it from pharmacies. Dilute the shampoo with water 50:50 (half water, half shampoo). Then apply the diluted shampoo to the affected areas. Leave to dry, and wash off in 24 hours. Apply twice a week for four weeks. • An antifungal cream is an alternative. You can buy these at pharmacies, and they are also available on prescription. (Yeasts are similar to fungus germs, and antifungal creams also kill yeasts.) • Anti-fungal tablets may be
