What is pityriasis alba and how can it be relieved?

What is pityriasis alba and how do you identify it?

Pityriasis alba is a common and harmless skin condition and is defined as pale pink patches of skin that are round, oval or irregularly shaped^1,2. They are generally very dry and scaly, i.e. the superficial layers of the skin shed in the form of small flakes³. 
Pityriasis alba is also known as eczematids. The name refers to its appearance: pityriasis for " fine scales " and alba which means " white " for the pale colour of the patches. 
Children and teenagers aged 3 to 16 are mainly affected by pityriasis alba but is most common between the ages of 6 and 12⁴. It is estimated that 5% of children are affected by this skin condition⁴. Pityriasis alba occurs mainly on the face (cheeks), as well as the neck, upper arms, chest and back¹. 

The erythematous phase 

It presents as pinkish, round to oval, scaly patches less than 2 cm in diameter. 
The borders are often poorly defined and are more pronounced than the centre. 
Itching is common. When there is no itching, the erythematous phase may go relatively unnoticed².
 

The hypochromic or clear phase 

The shedding results in a loss of the skin's natural pigmentation. 
Pityriasis alba then appears as dry patches that are lighter than the skin on the rest of the body. They are all the more visible on dark or tanned skin and, therefore, in summer. 
This discolouration is explained by a local decrease in melanin, the natural brown pigment of the skin². Hypochromatic patches require suitable sun protection⁶. 
 

Pityriasis alba: a seasonal condition?

Pityriasis alba occurs seasonally, but there is evidence that shedding can be more severe due to climatic conditions. 
In contrast, the lesions are more visible in summer due to sun exposure and darkening of the surrounding skin². 

Possible treatments for pityriasis alba 

As mentioned above, pityriasis alba patches are more sensitive to the sun than the rest of the skin. Therefore, the use of 50+ sun protection is recommended when the patches are located on exposed areas². The application of emollient creams helps to limit skin shedding⁸ and to limit recurrences⁹. Corticosteroids may be prescribed by a doctor for severe itching⁸.

How can you prevent the appearance of pityriasis alba?

The prevention of pityriasis alba relies on specific daily skin care⁹: 

• Use a mild, physiological pH, soap-free and fragrance-free cleansing product 
• Opt for showers over baths as they take less time and avoid water that is too hot 
• Apply daily a emollient and concentrate on the areas where the dry patches form to prevent skin dryness 
• Use appropriate sun protection