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There are several asymptomatic skin diseases that favour the axillae. Most of the conditions in this month’s quiz are rather uncommon. Check the colour, and whether the surface is smooth (a patch) or thickened (a plaque).
Four examples of brown armpits, four examples of white armpits and four examples of skin coloured papules are included.
For each of the ten cases, study the image(s) and then answer the questions. You can click on the image to view a larger version if required.
Each case should take approximately 2 minutes to complete. There is a list of suggested further reading material at the end of the quiz.
When you finish the quiz, you can download a certificate.
What is wrong with this armpit?
Pityriasis versicolor (pigmented variety)
Is any treatment appropriate?
Small brown irregular patches with light superficial scaling are characteristic of pityriasis versicolor. Microscopy of scrapings should reveal typical yeasts and hyphae of Malassezia spp., but culture is usually negative. Topical or systemic azoles are effective but pityriasis versicolor is prone to recur.