Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Alba is a commonly acquired skin condition which is mainly noticed in children and adolescences. This is a chronic skin disease which is characterized by scaly patches that later turns into white patches due to loss of skin pigmentation. This condition is often thought to be as a mild form or eczema.The term Pityriasis Alba is originated from Latin language and compound of two words Pityrasis which commonly refers to flaking (or scaling) of the skin where as, Alba means the white. This is a chronic skin condition which is mostly evolve in summer in form of rash which is characterized by patches of lighter skin mainly on the face, although the neck, upper chest, and arms are sometimes involved. The borders of the rash are not clearly visible. The light colored patch seems to blend gradually into normal appearing skin. Sometimes the rash is covered by very fine skin flakes resembling a light dust.
Similar as Vitiligo causes the reason for pityriasis Alba is also unknown and thus the scientist does not clearly know the pathogenesis of the disease. But as observed the disease is reoccurring and can appear several times. The duration of the rash is variable, lasting from several months to over a year. The white patches are more obvious on darker skin. Patients with lighter skin will notice the rash more frequently during the summer months as their skin tans.
Some believe pityrasis Alba as a manifestation of another skin disorder called atopic dermatitis. Patients do not usually seek treatment of the lesions until this stage because of the concern for the appearance of the scales and only a moisturizer can help to hela the rash.
This skin condition is often confused with tinea versicolor, which is an autoimmune response to a fungus on the skin. Pityrasis Alba is also some times confused with Vitiligo, but can easily be distinguished through the border of the rash. The rash of Vitiligo has a very distinct border with a sharp line between normal and lighter-colored skin. Also the white patches caused due to loss of skin pigmentation of Pityrasis Alba are not permanent as white patches of Vitiligo, it usually resolves after puberty or by the time the child reaches adulthood.
<< Back Loss of Skin Pigmentation
