Pityrosporum folliculitis is an acute, intensely pruritic eruption of follicular papules and pustules caused by Malassezia furfur, the causative organism of tinea versicolor.

Affected young adults typically have an average age of presentation between 20 and 30 years; in most of the world, there is a male predominance. The condition is also seen frequently in immunocompromised individuals, including patients on long-term oral prednisone and those with diabetes. High heat, humidity, and occlusive clothing or personal care products predispose to the condition. Recent use of oral antibiotics is also a risk factor.

Underlying conditions include HIV infection, immunosuppressive therapy, antibiotic therapy, Down syndrome, and systemic candidiasis.