Pityriasis is a group of skin disorders in which a scaly rash is usually present. Pityriasis Alba is a skin infection usually affects children and young adults and is characterized by hypopigmented, round to oval, scaling patches on the face, upper , neck, or shoulders. The disease occurs more apparent in summer. 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. The patches are dry with very fine scales. Varying from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, they are most common on the face, neck, upper trunk, and upper arms of children 3 to 16 years old. The word "pityriasis" was used by the physician Hippocrates in ancient Greece to describe the scruffy appearance of the skin that looked like it was covered by the fine bran of grain called "pityron." "Alba" comes from the Latin "albus" meaning white. Pityriasis alba is an eczematous dermatosis with hypomelanosis secondary to postinflammatory changes and the UV screening properties of the hyperkeratotic and parakeratotic epidermis. 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. Wells et al in 1960 concurred that the cause of pityriasis alba was a localized inflammatory reaction. Although no treatment is necessary for the full skin color to return, lotions and moisturizers may help the skin return to normal faster. One percent hydrocortisone cream may also help to make the patches go away a little more quickly. One percent hydrocortisone cream available over the counter should be applied once to twice a day to the affected areas. The condition often goes away by itself after a few months to years.



Pityriasis Alba is a chronic skin disorder that affects some children usually between the ages of 6 to 12. This rash is characterized by patches of lighter skin mainly on the face, although the neck, upper chest, and arms are sometimes involved. The patches vary in size, usually being a few centimeters in diameter. The color is white or light pink. The scales are fine and adherent. Usually, the patches are sharply demarcated; the edges may be erythematous and slightly elevated. As a rule, pityriasis is asymptomatic. However, there may be mild pruritis. The disease occurs chiefly in children and teenagers. The cause is unknown. Excessively dry skin following exposure to strong sunlight appears to be contributory. Efforts to find an infectious agent - either bacterial, viral, or fungal - have been unsuccessful.

Causes of Pityriasis Alba

Find common causes and risk factors of Pityriasis Alba :

The cause is not known.

The family history of pityriasis alba is the main cause.

Pityriasis alba often becomes more noticeable after sun exposure.

Pityriasis Alba will clear up after a few months, or in some cases persist two or three years. The colour gradually returns completely to normal.

Rashes on the dry skin can lead to this disease.

The asthma and allergies are the major factors, in the development of pityriasis alba.

Signs and Symptoms of Pityriasis Alba

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

Oval patches on face.

Fine scale.

Slight scaling.

White patches.

Flat or slightly elevated .

Treatment for Pityriasis Alba

Treatment may include :

Moisturisers

The use of Pragmatar ointment , Lac-Hydrin , 2% Zetar in Cordran cream gives the effective results.

Steroid cream

The topical steroid cream can be applied , in case the patches are red or itchy.

The 0.5% hydrocortisone and 1% crude coal tar in a Zetone cream , are very useful in the treatment of pityriasis alba.

One percent hydrocortisone cream available over the counter should be applied once to twice a day to the affected areas. One percent hydrocortisone cream available over the counter should be applied once to twice a day to the affected areas.

The condition often goes away by itself after a few months to years.