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Pityriasis Alba - Causes, Symptoms And Treament For Pityriasis Alba

Alternative name : Dry white patches

What is Pityriasis Alba ?

Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder similar to very mild eczema , causing round or oval, colorless, finely scaled patches of skin. These patches usually occur on the cheeks. Pityriasis Alba is a chronic skin disorder that affects some children usually between the ages of 6 to 12.

Pityriasis alba can also be confused with vitiligo. Pityriasis alba can be distinguished from vitiligo by the border of the rash.The disorder is most common in children and adolescents. The cause is unknown. The disorder is treated symptomatically with special creams -- patches usually clear, but may return. Several round or oval slightly scaly pink patches appear, leaving pale marks when the redness has faded. Sometimes the rash is covered by very fine skin flakes resembling a light dust.

Causes of Pityriasis Alba

The cause of pityriasis alba is unknown. The rash appears to get worse when the skin is dry. It is often thought of as a mild form or eczema. In the winter months when the skin is drier, the rash may be flakier. Pityriasis alba is most noticeable in the summertime when the surrounding skin gets tanner, because it remains the same color. No treatment is necessary, but 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.

Symptoms of Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis alba appears as superficial, pale pink to light brown macules with irregular, poorly circumscribed margins. It is round-to-oval in shape and can have slightly elevated borders. Some common symptoms of Pityriasis Alba are :-

• Small white patches are round or oval, lighter than surrounding skin (hypopigmented)
• Spots or rash may redden quickly in the sun.
• Two to three macules are usually present, with a diameter of 5 to 30 mm. They tend to be located in the midforehead, malar ridge, perioral, and periorbital areas. Involvement of the neck, trunk, back, limbs, and scrotum occurs less commonly.

Treatment for Pityriasis Alba

Treatment of the rash is not necessary since it will resolve on its own. Using a moisturizer or hydrocortisone may make the patches go away faster. However, even with treatment, the rash may take months to resolve. If the patches are red or itchy, a mild topical steroid cream can be applied for a few days.

Prevention for Pityriasis Alba

• Aviod the direct sun rays.

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