Pityriasis alba: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder of patches of light-colored (hypopigmented) areas.

T Causes
P The cause is unknown but may be linked to atopic dermatitis (eczema). The disorder is most common in children and teens. It is more noticeable in children with dark skin.

T Symptoms
P The problem areas on the skin (lesions) often start as slightly red and scaly patches that are round or oval. They usually appear on the face, upper arms, neck, and upper middle of the body. After these lesions go away, the patches turn light-colored (hypopigmented).
P The patches do not tan easily. Because of this, they may get red quickly in the sun.

T Exams and Tests
P The health care provider can usually diagnose the condition by looking at the skin. Tests, such as potassium hydroxide (KOH), may be done to rule out other skin problems. In very rare cases, a skin biopsy is done.

T Treatment
P The provider may recommend the following treatments:
- Moisturizer
- Mild steroid creams
- Medicine, called immunomodulators, applied to the skin to reduce inflammation
- Treatment with ultraviolet light to control the inflammation
- Medicines by mouth or shots to control the dermatitis, if very severe
- Laser treatment

T Outlook (Prognosis)
P Pityriasis alba usually goes away on its own with patches returning to normal pigment over time.

T Possible Complications
P Patches may get sunburned when exposed to sunlight. Applying sunscreen and using other sun protection can help prevent sunburn.

T When to Contact a Medical Professional
P Call your provider if your child has patches of hypopigmented skin.

T Images
- Pityriasis rubra pilaris on the chest

T References
P Habif TP. Light-related diseases and disorders of pigmentation. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 19.
P Patterson JW. Disorders of pigmentation. In: Patterson JW, ed. Weedon's Skin Pathology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2016:chap 10.

T Review Date 5/2/2017
P Updated by: David L. Swanson, MD, Vice Chair of Medical Dermatology, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Medical School, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

