What is pityriasis alba?
Pityriasis alba is a common skin complaint of children and young adults. It appears as pink/pale, scaly patches that later leave pale areas on the skin. These pale areas are more noticeable in people with skin of dark color and more pronounced after exposure to the sun and the tanning of the non-affected skin. Pityriasis means skin scaling, and alba means white.
What causes pityriasis alba?
The cause is unknown. It is thought to be due to a minor form of inflammation in the skin related to eczema, but it can occur in people who have no history of eczema at all. It is not contagious.
Is pityriasis alba hereditary?
No.
What are the symptoms of pityriasis alba?
The affected area can be mildly itchy but usually causes no problems. Sometimes it can appear and feel dry. It often goes unnoticed when it first starts, but it is the loss of pigment that triggers people to seek medical advice.
How does pityriasis alba look like?
It starts as ill-defined rounded, oval, or irregular-shaped pink/pale, rough patches of skin that fade to leave areas with reduced pigment. The most commonly affected areas are the cheeks, chin, and skin around the mouth. It can also affect the body, arms, and legs. The pale areas are often more noticeable after sun exposure, particularly in people with skin of darker color, as these areas don’t tan as usual.
How is pityriasis alba diagnosed?
Its appearance usually diagnoses this condition, and tests are not needed.
Can pityriasis alba be cured?
Pityriasis alba usually resolves spontaneously, and the skin color gradually returns to normal with no scarring. However, it may persist for a few years and may come and go during this period, particularly in summer, when the patches become more prominent due to the tanning of non-affected skin.
How can pityriasis alba be treated?
Medical treatment is not needed unless the skin is uncomfortable from itching. The dryness can be helped by using a moisturizer and avoiding soap.
If the patches are red or itchy, a mild topical steroid (e.g., hydrocortisone) can be applied for a short period to improve symptoms but would be best directed by your doctor.
Sunscreens in summer may prevent the patches from becoming more noticeable by reducing the tanning of the non-affected skin.