such as a warm and humid environment, although the exact conditions that cause initiation of the disease process are poorly understood.

The condition pityriasis versicolor was first identified in 1846. Versicolor comes from the Latin versare 'to turn' + color.

It is commonly referred to as Peter Elam's disease in many parts of South Asia.

Signs and symptoms

The signs of this condition include:
* Occasional fine scaling of the skin producing a very superficial ash-like scale
* Pale, dark tan, or pink