Pityriasis Alba - Symptoms and Treatment of Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis Alba is a common problem in practice. It is characterized by ill or well-defined, chronic patches of mild erythema, hypopigmentation and furfuraceous scaling. Size of patch is about that of a rupee; lesion is solitary or there may be 2-3 patches. Pityriasis Alba mainly affects the forehead, cheeks and chin of children, to a less extent, that of adults.

It can occur at any time of the year, but is more common in cold winter and dry hot summer. Pityriasis Alba depend on the body symmetric minimally scaly hypopigmented discrete and confluent macules.

Causes of Pityriasis Alba

Though the exact cause has not been well established, the disease is usually attributed to a low grade streptococal infection in a run-down individual. It can also follow an attack of gastro-enteritis, dysentery or the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics. According to some authorities, lack of sunlight and avitaminosis are responsible for the condition. In India , people blame the dry weather and hence call it Kushki ke dag. The causes of Pityriasis Alba are :

• The cause is not known.
• Pityriasis alba often becomes more noticeable after sun exposure.
• Pityriasis Alba will clear up after a few months, or in some cases persist two or three years. The colour gradually returns completely to normal.
• No definitive etiologic agent has been described.
• Hypopigmentation may occur in other disorders, such as those caused by fungi previous inflammatory conditions , idiopathic disorders or malignancy or it may occur secondary to medications such as retinoic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and topical steroids.
• If the patches are red or itchy, a mild topical steroid cream can be applied for a few days.

Treatment of Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis Alba is a harmless, non-scarring and usually non-infectious affection, which responds slowly to treatment. The treatment consists of a nourishing diet, mild sunbathing, tonics, particularly vitamins, and the application of mild antiseptics like ammoniated mercury (5 per cent) ointment, Bradex-vioform (P), bacitracin ointment etc.

Integument must be properly lubricated. Children should not play in the hot sun and cold winds.