Pityriasis alba
Introduction
Pityriasis alba (pi-tuh-rai-uh-suhs al-buh) is a common, harmless skin condition which is found in children and teenagers. It is thought to be a mild type of eczema.
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White patch on cheeks in a child with pityriasis alba
Who gets it?
Pityriasis alba is common in children. It tends to occur between the ages of 3 and 16. It affects boys and girls equally. There are certain children who are more likely to develop pityriasis alba – for example, if your child has some of the features below then they are more likely to develop pityriasis alba:
An allergic disease such as eczema, hayfever or asthma
More sun exposure
More frequent baths in a day
Darker skin colour
What causes it?
It is not known what causes pityriasis alba. Pityriasis alba is not contagious. It is not vitiligo. It is thought to be a mild type of eczema or atopic dermatitis (see the Atopic Dermatitis fact sheet).
What does it look and feel like?
Looks like…
Pale white patches on skin (may start off pink, and eventually fade)
Flaky, dry skin
Most commonly affects the face and less commonly arms and chest
Seems more obvious in summer due to tanning of surrounding normal skin
Feels like…
Sometimes your child may be itchy but mostly there are no symptoms.
What tests might be needed?
A dermatologist will be able to diagnose pityriasia alba by looking at your child’s skin and asking a few questions about his/her skin. If the diagnosis is unclear, he/she may use a specialised lamp to look at your child’s skin, or collect scrapings of your child’s skin to make sure that your child does not have a fungal infection.
What treatments are available?
What can I do?
Sun protection can help to lessen the appearance of the patches by making them look less obvious. This includes using sunscreen, wearing a hat outdoors, and staying in the shade. (See Sun Protection fact sheet)
Skin moisturisers can also help to reduce flakiness of the skin and itch.
Avoid using soap in your child's bath and use soap free cleansers instead.
Medical therapies
Pityriasis alba does not often require any treatment as it doesn’t usually cause any symptoms or complications.
Steroid creams can help reduce redness and itch.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory creams can also be used as an alternative.
What happens after treatment?
Your child's skin will usually clear on its own over months, sometimes years, with a return to their normal skin colour. There is no scarring. As children grow, they tend to outgrow this condition, similar to eczema.
What support is available?
If you have any concerns or questions about your child’s skin, speak to your GP or dermatologist.
Authors/Reviewers:
Author: Dr Samantha Ting
Paediatric Reviewer: Dr Mayuri Sivagnanam
Editor in Chief: Dr Tevi Wain