It is a skin infection caused by a fungus.
It most commonly affects young men in hot countries, but can affect anyone.
It is caused by a group of fungi from the genus Malassezia, which are regularly found on human skin. There may be a hereditary predisposition to this type of infection, but there are also a number of factors that facilitate its appearance: warm and humid environments, sweating, cosmetic products, hormonal changes and a decrease in the body's defences.
The most common symptom is the appearance of "spots" on the skin. These can be pink or cinnamon in colour, more intense than healthy skin, or discoloured lesions. They appear mainly on the torso (chest and back), armpits, neck and upper arms.
Diagnosis is based on clinical history and a full physical examination.
Topical antifungals and oral treatment are used to control the infection.
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