Pityriasis Alba

Definition

Pityriasis alba is chronic skin disorder which affecting children and occasionally young adults. Several round or oval slightly scaly pink patches appear, leaving pale marks when the redness has faded.Pityriasis alba is a common rash Which affects the face, neck, arms and trunk of children and young adults. This condition is not dangerous or contagious.

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.

Causes of Pityriasis Alba

The causes of pityriasis alba such as includes:-

• Pityriasis alba is more common in the winter months when the skin is drier, the rash may be flakier.
• Atopic eczema may also lead to the condition of pityriasis alba.
• The asthma and allergies are the major factors, in the development of pityriasis alba.
• Hypo pigmentation may result in pityriasis alba.
• The family history of pityriasis alba is the main cause.
• Rashes on the dry skin can lead to this disease.
• The disturbances, including irritation and dry skin, causes the cells that normally produce color fails to do the right function.

Symptoms of Pityriasis Alba

The possible symptoms of pityriasis alba are as:-

• They are mostly located on the face, outer upper arms, neck and upper trunk.
• The skin lesions may get redden quickly in the sun.
• The oval patches may be found on face.
• The white patches, may be seen that surrounding the affected area of skin.
• Treatments of Pityriasis Alba
• The bumps that formed are mainly flat or slightly elevated.
• The slight scaling with very small fine scales may be present.

Treatments of Pityriasis Alba

The most effective treatments for pityriasis alba includes:-

• Although no treatment is necessary for the full skin color to return, lotions and moisturizers may help the skin return to normal faster
• Certain lotions and moisturizers cream may help to improve the dry appearance.
• The hydrocortisone cream may also help to make the patches go away more quickly
• The 0.5% hydrocortisone and 1% crude coal tar in a Zetone cream, are very useful in the treatment of pityriasis alba.
• The use of Pragmatar ointment, Lac-Hydrin, 2% Zetar in Cordran cream gives the effective results.
• The topical steroid cream can be applied , in case the patches are red or itchy.
• One percent hydrocortisone cream available over the counter should be applied once to twice a day to the affected areas.
• 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.
• The condition often goes away by itself after a few months to years.