Pityriasis alba:
This condition
literally means scaly ( pityriasis) pale
( alba) patches. This condition presents as pale white patches on face, neck
and upper arms. It may present initially with slightly red patches and
sometimes have very fine scaling present over them. Most of the patients
encountered daily in my practice belong to the age group of 2 to 13 years with
males slightly outnumbering females. Frequently asked questions are as follows:
Q – Doctor, What is
the cause of this condition?
Ans – This is a
very mild form of eczema commonly presenting in growing age of children. Although
the exact cause remains unknown, this is more apparent in summers when the
surrounding skin tans making these white patches prominent.
 |
| Pale white spots of Pityriasis alba |
Q- Doctor,
My child has been suffering from these white patches for quite some time and
they seem to migrate as if they disappear at one place only to appear at another?
Ans – These patches
have a tendency to recur and hence it is perceived this way.
Q – Is it due to underlying
calcium or any other deficiency?
Ans – No it is a
form of mild eczema which is not affected by any dietary factors or anything in
the external environment.
Q- Will it progress
to ‘white patches‘ or leucoderma?
 |
| Distinct patches of leucoderma |
Ans- Vitiligo or
leucoderma is a close differential diagnosis but the patches are totally devoid
of pigment or milky white as compared to pale white patches with slightly
yellow tinge and mild scaling seen in Pityriasis alba. Also Vitiligo doesn’t
disappear without treatment as compared to self healing nature of Pityriasis
alba. Consult your dermatologist for confirmation of diagnosis and in case of
any confusion.
Q- Will the normal color
return to these patches?
Ans- These patches
will regain their normal color in some time , sometimes few months to over an
year. They are not permanent in nature but take some time to disappear completely.
