The organism associated with ringworm infection presenting whitish patches on skin is:

The organism associated with ringworm infection presenting whitish patches on skin is:

• A. Malassezia furfur
• B. Tinea capitis
• C. Tinea corporis
• D. Trichophyton rubrum

Answer: (A)

Whitish patches on the skin from a superficial fungal infection point to pityriasis versicolor, which is caused by Malassezia furfur. This yeast-like, lipophilic organism lives in the outer skin layer and metabolizes lipids to produce acids that interfere with melanin production, leading to pale, fine-scaling patches, often on the trunk. It isn’t a true ringworm lesion—that distinction comes from dermatophytes like Trichophyton species, which cause circular, scaly, expanding rings. In the lab, a potassium hydroxide prep can reveal the characteristic mix of yeast cells and short hyphae described as “spaghetti and meatballs,” supporting Malassezia as the culprit. Treating with topical antifungals such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide is typically effective, with systemic therapy reserved for more extensive cases.

Whitish patches on the skin from a superficial fungal infection point to pityriasis versicolor, which is caused by Malassezia furfur. This yeast-like, lipophilic organism lives in the outer skin layer and metabolizes lipids to produce acids that interfere with melanin production, leading to pale, fine-scaling patches, often on the trunk. It isn’t a true ringworm lesion—that distinction comes from dermatophytes like Trichophyton species, which cause circular, scaly, expanding rings. In the lab, a potassium hydroxide prep can reveal the characteristic mix of yeast cells and short hyphae described as “spaghetti and meatballs,” supporting Malassezia as the culprit. Treating with topical antifungals such as ketoconazole or selenium sulfide is typically effective, with systemic therapy reserved for more extensive cases.