MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pityriasis alba

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Pityriasis alba

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition	Symptoms

Illustrations

Skin layers

Definition Return to top

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 disorder is most common in children and adolescents. The cause is unknown. The disorder is treated symptomatically with special creams -- patches usually clear, but may return.

Symptoms Return to top

Small white patches
- Round or oval
- Lighter than surrounding skin (hypopigmented)
- Flat (macular) or slightly elevated
- Slight scaling with very small fine scales (may be present)
Location -- face, outer upper arms, neck and upper trunk
Lesions don't tan during the summer
May redden quickly in the sun

Update Date: 10/27/2003

Updated by: Jeffrey Drayer, M.D., Dermatologist, Los Angeles, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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