PITYRIASIS ALBA

General Information

DEFINITION--A benign disorder of the skin in which skin temporarily loses pigmentation in patches.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin of the cheeks and arms.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--Occurs most in children, but may occur up to age 25.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS--

Skin lesions with the following characteristics:

• Lesions are small white patches with vague borders. They sometimes have pinpoint-sized white papules (small, raised bumps).
• Patches are most apparent in summer because the lesions cannot tan, and tanning heightens the contrast between the areas.
• One person may have 1 to 12 patches at a time.
• Patches feel smooth.
• Patches may itch occasionally, but they are not painful.

CAUSES--Unknown. The tendency may be inherited.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Family history of allergies of any kind.

HOW TO PREVENT--No specific preventive measures.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--None expected.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--Patches may come and go for years. Between ages 20 and 30, they disappear completely.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• No truly effective therapy available.
• Use sunscreen or protective clothing to prevent sunburn in affected areas.

MEDICATION--

• Lubricating cream application may improve roughness or dryness, but does not improve the color.
• Use of coal-tar preparations may be helpful.
• Your doctor may prescribe prescription or non-prescription topical steroid medicine to control itching and prevent papules (raised, discolored skin growths).

ACTIVITY--No restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of pityriasis alba.
• New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.