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Pityriasis alba: first red or pink spots on the skin, then white ones
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Pityriasis alba is a skin condition that mainly affects children and young adults. People with pityriasis alba develop round or oval spots on their skin that are red or pink in color. The spots usually disappear with moisturizers or go away on their own. However, after the redness has faded, pale spots often remain on the skin. The precise cause is unknown. It is suspected that there is a connection with eczema, a skin condition that causes flaky, itchy rashes.
Also read: White spots on the skin: what types are there?
What are the symptoms?
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People with pityriasis alba develop round, oval, or irregularly shaped spots that look pale pink or red. The spots are flaky and dry. They usually appear on the face, but sometimes also on the upper arms, neck, chest or back.
The pink or red spots may fade to light-colored spots after a few weeks. These spots usually disappear within a few months, but can also remain for several years. They are more noticeable in the summer months, when the surrounding skin becomes browner. The pityriasis spots do not tan. For this reason, people with pityriasis alba should protect themselves well against the sun. The spots will then be less noticeable in the summer.
Also read: Vitiligo: white pigment spots on the skin
How does pityriasis alba develop?
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The exact cause of pityriasis alba is not known, but the condition is seen as a mild form of atopic dermatitis, a type of eczema.
Eczema can be caused by an overactive immune system that reacts aggressively to irritants. The skin’s ability to form a barrier is reduced in people with eczema. Normally, the immune system ignores normal proteins and attacks only the proteins of harmful substances, such as bacteria and viruses. However, when you have eczema, your immune system doesn’t always distinguish between the two and instead attacks healthy substances in your body. This causes inflammation. It is similar to an allergic reaction. Most people outgrow eczema and pityriasis alba by the time they reach adulthood.
Also read: Lichen sclerosus: a persistent genital skin condition
Who is at risk for pityriasis alba?
Pityriasis alba is most common in children and adolescents with dark skin, who are predisposed to eczema. Boys and girls are equally likely to develop the condition.
About two to five percent of children develop the condition, usually between the ages of three and sixteen.
Also read: Types of pigment spots: white, brown and red spots on the skin
How is it treated?
No treatment is needed for pityriasis alba. The spots usually disappear over time. Your doctor may prescribe a moisturizer or a topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone. Both types of creams can help reduce skin discoloration and relieve any dryness, flaking, or itching. If there are seriously disturbing light spots, light therapy is sometimes given.
Even after treatment, the spots can return. Then you have to use the creams again. In most cases, pityriasis alba disappears in adulthood.
Also read: Side effects of corticosteroids (cortisone): physical and mental
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Last updated: December 2023
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2023-12-03 23:00:39
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