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2005, Number 4

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Dermatología Cosmética, Médica y Quirúrgica 2005; 3 (4)

Foliculitis due to Malassezia sp. A retrospective stuy in 55 non-immunosupressed cases

Guzmán A, Chanussot C, Arenas R, Cubilla E, de Silva D

Language: Spanish
References: 23
Page: 325-330
PDF size: 201.42 Kb.


ABSTRACT

Background: Folliculitis due to Mallassezia sp (MF) is a benign disorder, characterized by pruritic follicular papules and pustules localized on the back, chest and arms.
Objectives: The aim of the study is to report 55 cases of mf in immunocompetent patients.
Methods: Fifty five patients were examined from 1996 to 1999 with follicular papules and pustules on the thorax and arms in a private dermatologic clinic in Asunción, Paraguay. Samples were obtained for KOH direct exam and Gram smears. Cultures were performed and biopsy specimens were obtained.
Results: Twenty eight women (51%) and 27 men (49%), all immunocompetent, were studied. The average age was 28 years. Skin lesions were localized mainly to the back in 22/55 patients (44%). Morphology observed was: follicular papules in 8 (14.5%), umbilicated molluscum–like papules in 14 patients (25.4%), follicular pustules in 5 patients (9.0%), and 28 patients (50.9%) with papules and pustules. Pruritus was reported in all cases. Predisposing factors included: skin type (seborrheic), excessive transpiration, creams, sunscreens, oils, synthetic fabrics and sport practice. Direct KOH exam and Gram smears were positive in all patients. Culture confirmed the presence of Malassezia sp and histopathologic studies with spores were seen in 81.8% of the cases.
Conclusions: MF is more frequently seen than it is reported in the literature, but diagnostic is usually a failure. It must be performed a KOH direct exam, Gram smears and mycological culture. Biopsy specimens should be obtained just when another dermatological disease is suspected. We proposed a practical morphological classification: papular, molluscum-like papule, pustular, and papulo-pustular.


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