Frequency of pityriasis versicolor in diabetic patients attending a tertiary care hospital

Objective: To determine the frequency of pityriasis versicolor (PV) in uncontrolled diabetes patients attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted in the Dermatology Department, Civil Hospital, Karachi and Diabetic OPD Civil Hospital, Karachi. Diabetic patients of ages 40-70 years, of either gender who presented in OPD were selected for study. Only those patients whose random blood sugar (RBS) was more than 200 mg/dl and whose duration of diabetes was more than 5 years were included in study. Patients who were taking corticosteroids or immunosuppressive drug were excluded from study. 119 patients were enrolled in study. Patients were examined for PV and skin scrapings were taken for microscopy. Results: PV was detected in 5 out of 119 (4.2%) patients. Males were found to be affected more than females. There was no association between PV and duration of diabetes. Conclusion: Pityriasis versicolor is not very common in diabetic patients.