Epidemiological and Clinical Characteristics of Pityriasis Versicolor among Patients Attending the Dermatology Department of the Libreville University Hospital Centre, Gabon

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis versicolor (PV) is a superficial fungal skin infection associated with Malassezia yeasts. Information on its epidemiological and clinical characteristics in Gabon remains limited. Objective: To describe PV among patients attending the Dermatology Department of the Libreville University Hospital Centre. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2024 and November 2025. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded using survey forms. Skin scales were collected using an adhesive tape method and examined by light microscopy. Data were analysed using SPSS version 20. Results: A total of 192 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 32.64 years (range: 10–73 years). The prevalence of Pityriasis versicolor was 2.93%. The 21–30-year age group was the most represented, accounting for 34.4% of cases. The thorax and face were the most common sites of infection, representing 26% and 20.8% of cases, respectively. Humidity was identified as the main predisposing factor, reported in 67.7% of patients. The predominant clinical presentations were initially localised forms (100%), diffuse lesions (39.6%), and fine scaling (37.5%). Malassezia spp. was detected in samples with positive microscopic findings. Conclusion: Pityriasis versicolor remains a dermatological concern because of its recurrent course and cosmetic effects on affected patients. Malassezia spp. was the yeast genus detected by microscopy in this study.