Skin Disorders

Skin disorders cover a wide range of conditions, some benign, some very serious, and some even a sign of another underlying illness. A skin disorder not only affects your physical health, but also your emotional well-being.

Skin Care › Skin Disorders › Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis alba (also called Pityriasis streptogenes) 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 disorder is most common in children and adolescents. The cause is unknown. Symptoms are treated with special creams -- patches usually clear up, but may return.

Causes of Pityriasis alba

The cause of pityriasis alba is unknown. The rash appears to get worse when the skin is dry. It is often thought of as a mild form or eczema. In the winter months when the skin is drier, the rash may be flakier. Pityriasis alba is most noticeable in the summertime when the surrounding skin gets tanner, because it remains the same color.

Symptoms of Pityriasis alba

• Small white patches are round or oval, lighter than surrounding skin (hypopigmented)
• Spots may redden quickly in the sun
• Two to three macules are usually present, with a diameter of 5 to 30 mm . They tend to be located in the midforehead, malar ridge, perioral, and periorbital areas. Involvement of the neck, trunk, back, limbs, and scrotum occurs less commonly.

Pityriasis alba treatment

Treatment of the rash is not necessary since it will resolve on its own. If the patches are red or itchy, a mild topical steroid cream can be applied for a few days. However, even with treatment, the rash may take months to resolve. One percent hydrocortisone cream available over the counter should be applied once to twice a day to the affected areas. The condition often goes away by itself after a few months to years.

Skin disorders
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