Pityriasis Alba: Meaning, Diagnosis and Overview

What is Pityriasis Alba?

It is a common skin disorder in children and young adults. Several round or oval slightly scaly pink patches appear, leaving pale marks when the redness has faded. They most commonly occur on the face (cheeks), but also appear on the upper arms, neck, or shoulders.
This condition is more common in summer and mainly in dark-skinned children.

Recovery Time

The condition will usually resolve by itself within 2-12 weeks.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is done by physical examination and other tests may include:
  • Wood lights examination
  • Potassium Hydroxide stain of skin scrapping
  • Skin biopsy

FAQs prepared by doctor

1. What is pityriasis alba?
This is a pattern of dermatitis in which pale marks is the most conspicuous feature. Some redness and usually precede the development of pale marks but these are often relatively mild.

2. In which all age groups its most common? 
It is a common skin disorder in children, mainly in dark-skinned children and young adults.

3. It affects which all part of the body?
They most commonly occur on the face (cheeks), but also appear on the upper arms, neck, or shoulders.

4. How much time does it take to resolve? 
The condition will usually resolve by itself within 2-12 weeks.

5. What to do when such a condition arises?
Take Bath or shower in lukewarm water and apply moisturizers or steroidal creams.

6. When shall one consult a doctor?
Consult your doctor if areas of your skin, hair or eyes lose color or white patch on the skin or hair on the patches become white.

 
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