Keurepani

Keurepani is a Dutch-Surinamese word, primarily used within Suriname, meaning "skin penny." It refers to a type of skin discoloration characterized by small, round, hypopigmented (lighter than surrounding skin) spots. These spots are often numerous and can appear on the face, neck, upper chest, and back.

The condition described by "keurepani" is often associated with, or caused by, Pityriasis versicolor, a common fungal infection of the skin caused by the yeast Malassezia globosa (formerly Pityrosporum ovale). The yeast interferes with the normal pigmentation of the skin, resulting in these patches.

While "keurepani" is a common vernacular term in Suriname, medical professionals typically use the term Pityriasis versicolor or other internationally recognized dermatological terms when discussing the condition. The term may also encompass other similar-looking skin conditions with hypopigmentation, making precise diagnosis based solely on the word "keurepani" unreliable. Treatment for the fungal infection usually involves topical or oral antifungal medications.