Pityrosporum folliculitis is an acute, intensely pruritic eruption of follicular papules and pustules caused by Malassezia furfur, the causative organism of tinea versicolor. The condition is seen more frequently in teenagers than in younger children.

Immunocompromised patients, including patients on long-term oral prednisone, diabetic patients, and those on chronic systemic antibiotics, are particularly predisposed to this condition. In pediatric patients, recent antibiotic use is the main risk factor, seen in up to 75% of pediatric cases. A hot and humid climate is also a significant risk factor.