Pityriasis is one of a group of skin disorders in which a scaly rash is usually present. Pityriasis Alba is a skin infection which usually affects children and young adults and is characterized by hypopigmented, round to oval, scaling patches on the face, upper , neck, or shoulders. The rash is usually more prevalent in the summertime. 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. These fine scales vary from 1 to 2 inches in diameter, and are most common on the face, neck, upper trunk, and upper arms of children 3 to 16 years old. The word "pityriasis" was used by the physician Hippocrates in ancient Greece to describe the scruffy appearance of the skin that looked like it was covered by the fine bran of grain called "pityron." "Alba" comes from the Latin "albus" meaning white.
Pityriasis Alba is a chronic skin disorder that affects some children usually between the ages of 6 to 12. This rash is characterized by patches of lighter skin mainly on the face, although the neck, upper chest, and arms are sometimes involved. The patches vary in size, usually being a few centimeters in diameter. The color is white or light pink. The scales are fine and adherent. Usually, the patches are sharply demarcated; the edges may be erythematous and slightly elevated. As a rule, pityriasis is asymptomatic. However, there may be mild pruritis. The disease occurs chiefly in children and teenagers. The cause is unknown, although it is thought that the cause is a localized inflammatory reaction. Excessively dry skin following exposure to strong sunlight appears to be contributory. Efforts to find an infectious agent - either bacterial, viral, or fungal - have been unsuccessful. One percent hydrocortisone cream, which is available over the counter, should be applied to affected areas once or twice daily, although the skin condition usually resolves on its own after a few months to years.
Although the cause of pityriasis alba is unknown, a family history of this skin rash is a risk factor for developing this rash in childhood or adolescence. Asthma and allergies are also considered risk factors, and the rash is usually more noticeable after sun exposure. Pityriasis alba usually clears up on its own after several months, although some cases may persist for two or three years. The color gradually returns to normal.
Treatment for pityriasis alba include moisturizers or topical steroid creams. Moisturizers such as 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. The 0.5% hydrocortisone and 1% crude coal tar in a Zetone cream, are very useful in the treatment of pityriasis alba. As mentioned above, over the counter one percent hydrocortisone cream can also be used once or twice daily.
It is recommended that any persistent rash should be evaluated by a health care professional, and pityriasis alba may require the use of steroid based ointments for long periods of time. This may require the supervision of a dermatologist.
