Tinea Versicolor in a Three-Month Infant: A Case Report and Literature Review

Tinea versicolor (TV) is a superficial fungal disease caused by Malassezia furfur, most commonly affecting adolescents and adults. TV is uncommon among newborns, particularly those aged under one year. Poor hygiene and perspiration, immunosuppression, the use of oils and greasy lotions, hyperhidrosis, and corticosteroids may all contribute to the appearance of the condition. It is clinically distinguished by hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation. Most often, it occurs over the trunk. Treatment for TV usually begins with the use of a topical antifungal. This case report presents a rare TV in a three-month-old boy who exhibited multiple hypopigmented macules on his trunk without pruritus. Examination of the wood lamp showed bright yellow fluorescent lesions. The potassium hydroxide (KOH) preparation revealed yeast and short mycelial forms, confirming the diagnosis of TV. The baby was given a clotrimazole solution for topical use twice a day. KOH preparation was negative, and the lesions had improved at the time of the two-month follow-up. This case highlights the importance of considering TV as a potential diagnosis in infants with atypical skin manifestations, although it is more commonly seen in older individuals.