The epidemiology of pityriasis versicolor in Malawi, Africa.

During a total population survey in 1988 and 1989 in Karonga district, northern Malawi, 4915/61735 (8.0%) people examined were found to have extensive pityriasis versicolor (PV). An additional 6085 people (9.9%) were diagnosed as having mild disease. The highest prevalence rates of extensive and mild PV were found among subjects aged 15-24 years. In this age group between 20% and 25% of people had extensive PV. Rates were generally higher among males than among females. PV was rarely found in prepubertal subjects.