Pityriasis Alba - Symptoms & Treatment

Pityriasis alba is a peculiar disorder of the skin. Pityriasis alba patches are more apparent in summer, especially in dark-skinned children, because they don't tan as well as the surrounding skin. Pityriasis alba is a mild form of dermatitis of unknown cause. It will clear up after a few months, or in some cases persist two or three years. The colour gradually returns completely to normal. The borders of the rash are not clearly visible. The light colored patch seems to blend gradually into normal appearing skin. Sometimes the rash is covered by very fine skin flakes resembling a light dust. The exact causes of pityriasis alba is yet not known properly but this skin infection will clear up after a few months, or in some cases persist two or three years. Hypopigmentation may occur in other disorders, such as those caused by fungi previous inflammatory conditions , idiopathic disorders or malignancy or it may occur secondary to medications such as retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical steroids. Excessively dry skin and exposure to direct sunlight some are contributory factors. It can occur at any time of the year, but is more common in cold winter and dry hot summer. Pityriasis Alba depend on the body symmetric minimally scaly hypopigmented discrete and confluent macules.

Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder similar to very mild eczema. Pityriasis alba can also be confused with vitiligo. Pityriasis alba can be distinguished from vitiligo by the border of the rash. The rash of vitiligo has a very distinct border with a sharp line between normal and lighter-colored skin. Pityriasis alba is a nonspecific dermatitis of unknown etiology that causes erythematous scaly patches. These resolve and leave areas of hypopigmentation. Drying agents such as sunlight, wind, or soap trigger the disorder on the predisposed fragile skin of children, similar to the effect of these agents in children with atopic dermatitis. The light colored patch seems to blend gradually into normal appearing skin. Sometimes the rash is covered by very fine skin flakes resembling a light dust. Although no treatment is necessary for the full skin color to return, lotions and moisturizers may help the skin return to normal faster. This condition is not dangerous or contagious. A moisturizing cream may improve the dry appearance. If the patches are red or itchy, a mild topical steroid cream can be applied for a few days. Pimecrolimus cream has also been reported to be effective.

Causes of Pityriasis alba

Common causes and risk factor's of Pityriasis alba:

The exect cause is not known.

Idiopathic disorders.

Pityriasis alba often becomes more noticeable after sun exposure.

Heavily scented detergents or soaps.

Abrasive clothing.

Smoking.

Symptoms of Pityriasis alba

Some sign and symptoms related to Pityriasis alba are as follows:

Slightly elevated patches of fine scales over the cheeks, scaling patches on the face, upper arms, neck.

Lesions don't tan during the summer.