Question

Mark, age 18, presents with a pruritic rash on his upper trunk and shoulders. You observe flat to slightly elevated brown papules and plaques that scale when they are rubbed. You also notice areas of hypopigmentation. What is your initial diagnosis?

Answer 1

The initial diagnosis for Mark's symptoms is pityriasis versicolor, a fungal infection caused by the yeast Malassezia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The initial diagnosis for Mark's symptoms is pityriasis versicolor. Pityriasis versicolor is a fungal infection of the skin caused by the yeast Malassezia. It typically presents with flat to slightly elevated brown papules and plaques that scale when rubbed. The hypopigmentation observed could be a result of the fungal infection affecting the melanocytes.