A 16-year-old with tinea versicolor is treated with which regimen?

A 16-year-old with tinea versicolor is treated with which regimen?

• A. Systemic ketoconazole and steroid cream
• B. Selenium sulfide shampoo and systemic ketoconazole
• C. Silver sulfadiazine cream and an antihistamine
• D. Steroid cream and erythromycin

Answer: (B)

Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia, a yeast that colonizes oily skin and causes pigment changes. Treatment aims to reduce the yeast burden and prevent relapse, often starting with a topical antifungal such as selenium sulfide to cleanse affected areas; systemic ketoconazole is added when the disease is widespread or recalcitrant, providing broader antifungal coverage. This combination addresses both surface colonization and deeper involvement, making it the most appropriate choice. The other options include components that don’t treat the fungus (antibiotics, antihistamines) or use a steroid, which can worsen fungal skin infections by suppressing the local immune response.

Tinea versicolor is caused by Malassezia, a yeast that colonizes oily skin and causes pigment changes. Treatment aims to reduce the yeast burden and prevent relapse, often starting with a topical antifungal such as selenium sulfide to cleanse affected areas; systemic ketoconazole is added when the disease is widespread or recalcitrant, providing broader antifungal coverage. This combination addresses both surface colonization and deeper involvement, making it the most appropriate choice. The other options include components that don’t treat the fungus (antibiotics, antihistamines) or use a steroid, which can worsen fungal skin infections by suppressing the local immune response.