Pityriasis Alba is a common nonmalignant skin condition that mostly affects kids and become visible as temporary light skin patches on face especially the cheeks.

The condition typically exists for 1 year or more without treatment. However, pityriasis alba in kids mostly resolves after they reach puberty or by the time they reach adulthood. Though pityriasis alba may occur throughout the year, it often becomes noticeable during the summer (when most of the kids have a tan).

The spots looking lightest at the centre, gradually turn into normal skin color towards the borders. Though these skin patches can sometimes be apparent on the neck, upper trunk or arms, the discoloration of the face becomes most upsetting not only for the kids who are affected by the condition but also for their parents.

Causes of pityriasis alba

What causes pityriasis alba is not exactly known. Some believe it is linked with dry skin or chemicals that come in close contact with the skin. It seems more common in kids having eczema or dry skin.

According to some experts, skin affected by any dermatitis inflammation may turn pale after healing. This can be observed after excessive use of corticosteroid creams for treating the episodes of eczema.

The hypopigmentation may be the result of the reduction in activity of melanocytes with limited and small melanosomes.

Some medical experts are of the view that some environmental factors like smoke, heat and humidity, detergents or soaps with strong fragrances, abrasive clothing and stress may trigger pityriasis alba.

Who's at risk?

The condition can affect kids of all races and sexes in age group of 3-16 years. It can more frequently occur in males. The condition seems to be affecting upto a third of US school children at some point.

Kids having several other conditions like asthma, hay fever (allergic rhinitis), eczema (atopic dermatitis) and dry skin (xerosis) are susceptible to pityriasis alba.

Pityriasis Alba may also possibly affect light-skinned persons more frequently, but it can also be visible in even those with darker complexion.

Signs and Symptoms

Pityriasis Alba commonly occurs in the face including cheeks, around the mouth, chin and forehead. It can also affect neck, shoulders, upper chest and upper arms.

Pityriasis Alba may be apparent in a group of 2 to 20 hypo pigmented and somewhat scaly patches with size ranging from 1 to 4 cm.

Sometimes, the condition appears as mildly itchy and pink patches over lightened skin patches.

According to some, pityriasis alba grows worse during summer. But it becomes easily noticeable when normal and surrounding skin turn darker with exposure to sun.

Home Remedies to Treat Pityriasis Alba

If you suspect symptoms of Pityriasis Alba in your child, the first and foremost requirement is to keep the skin of your child properly moisturized. Following are the self-care tips:

You can either use non-soap skin cleaners or moisturizing soaps.

Apply moisturizers like petroleum jelly (Vaseline) or ointments and creams without fragrance.

Apply sunscreen and avoid exposure to sun.

Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream slightly for a week.

When to see a doctor?

Go to a doctor for proper diagnosis of your child's condition if self-care measures did not bring desired and effective results. Also see a doctor in case the condition worsens or spreads to other areas.

Diagnosis

Your doctor or physician may feel the need of scraping some of the scales onto a slide for microscopic examination to ascertain the presence of yeast or fungus. This procedure is known as KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation, which helps the doctor detect any tell-tale signs of yeast infection. Yeast or fungus infection does not usually result in pityriasis alba and that the KOH preparation should be negative.

Treatment of Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis Alba does not usually require treatment as it disappears on its own after sometime. But application of over the counter 1% hydrocortisone cream to the affected area of the skin at least twice a day may reduce patches and quicken the process of their disappearance.

Since application of steroid creams like hydrocortisone to the face for weeks or months involves risks, it is essential to discuss home treatment with the help of hydrocortisone or any steroid with child's doctor before using it.

Always apply moisturizers or good sunscreen in your child's facial skin in order to avoid chances of recurrence of patches.

Application of pimecrolimus cream also seems to be very effective.

Sometimes the treatment may include cosmetic camouflage.

In some exceptionally severe cases of Pityriasis Alba may need treatment with PUVA therapy.

In case of severe and widespread infection with pityriasis alba, the doctor may prescribe application of corticosteroid (cortisone) cream to the affected area of skin.