This dermatology clinical photograph depicts hypopigmented patches consistent with pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor) involving sun-exposed skin on the face and forearm of a patient labeled PV-patient1. The lesions appear as flat, well-demarcated, hypoesthetic macules with subtle surface scale. Facial patches are lighter than surrounding skin, while forearm lesions show a similar pigmentary disturbance. The appearance is characteristic for PV, caused by superficial Malassezia overgrowth that metabolizes lipids, producing pigmentary changes in the stratum corneum. Sun exposure can accentuate hypopigmentation, and Wood’s lamp examination may reveal fluorescence supportive of diagnosis. Clinically, recognize it as a benign, treatable dermatosis that should be differentiated from vitiligo, pityriasis alba, and post-inflammatory hypopigmentation. Management typically includes topical antifungal therapy (ketoconazole, itraconazole, terbinafine) or selenium sulfide, with potential recurrence. This image serves educational purposes in dermatology training, remote assessment, and AI-driven lesion recognition, illustrating characteristic distribution on the face and arms, the macular morphology, and the essential differential diagnoses in pigmentary disorders.

Clinical photography of the back showing large hypopigmented patches consistent with pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor). The dorsal trunk demonstrates irregular, well-demarcated macules with reduced pigment relative to surrounding skin and slight surface scaling. Lesions are primarily on the upper back and shoulders, sometimes extending centrally, with a predominantly hypo pigmented appearance in darker skin tones and mixed hypo/hyperpigmentation in lighter tones. The patches may appear less conspicuous in sun-exposed areas and more noticeable in cooler seasons. On close inspection, there is minimal erythema or itching; scale, when present, is fine and compelling under dermoscopy or magnification. The imaging modality is clinical photography, without contrast, intended for documentation and educational reference. The pattern is truncal, symmetric or patchy, often affecting the upper back, shoulders and central chest in typical presentations. In practice, differential diagnoses include pityriasis alba, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, chronic eczema variants, and hypopigmented tinea corporis. Clinically, pityriasis versicolor is caused by Malassezia species; diagnosis is supported by KOH showing spaghetti-and-meatballs and Wood's lamp fluorescence. Management involves topical azoles or oral antifungals in extensive disease. This image supports dermatology training, telemedicine consultations, and research into pigmentary disorders, fungal colonization, and treatment response. It serves as a reference for pattern recognition globally.

Clinical photography of the anterior trunk in a patient with pityriasis versicolor presenting in the hypopigmented stage. High-resolution, color-balanced digital image captured under standard visible light to document surface skin changes on the chest and upper abdomen with an anterior view. The lesions appear as numerous flat, ill‑defined macules with a pale to slightly hypopigmented hue relative to surrounding skin. The patches are variably coalescent, with fine scale evident at the margins and mild asynchronous tan response in adjacent areas. The distribution favors the central chest and proximal trunk, presenting as asymptomatic patches without erosion or crusting. Dermatoscopic features are not available; the surface is smooth, with subtle textural changes rather than prominent edema or vascular markings. Clinically, pityriasis versicolor is a superficial Malassezia yeast infection that disrupts melanin production, producing hypopigmented or hyperpigmented macules depending on skin type. The image illustrates hypopigmented lesions characteristic of the disease, aiding differential diagnosis from vitiligo, post-inflammatory hypopigmentation, and pityriasis alba. This image supports clinical correlation with Wood’s lamp examination, which often reveals copper-orange fluorescence in affected skin, and with mycological confirmation via KOH preparation showing spaghetti-and-meatballs. Potential clinical applications include education, dermatology training, and research on pigmentary disorders and superficial fungal infections.