Pityriasis versicolor: Causes and new active ingredients as a potential treatment

Abstract

Pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia spp. It's characterized by a superficial fungal infection that affects both sexes, mostly tennagers and young adults, accounting for 40% of the population in tropical regions. Malassezia proliferates in organisms with intense sweating with the use of oily and occlusive cosmetics, or with occlusive clothing, triggering an imbalance in the skin microbiota system. The clinical manifestations are discrete oval or confluent, scaly, dark or depigmented macules on seborrheic regions of the body. Essential oils (EOs), including Oregano (Origanum vulgare) and Melaleuca (Melaleuca alternifolia) contain compounds, such as carvacrol, thymol and terpenes, which demonstrate antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have an inhibitory and fungicidal effect, which can combat resistance biofilm forming species, such as Candida spp, Malassezia spp. Therefore, the association between EOs and AgNPs suggests great potential in the treatment of Pityriasis versicolor.

DOI:https://doi.org/10.56238/uniknowindevolp-149