Skin Care Product Store Toll Free  Ordering 1-800-393-3848                    

           PITYRIASIS ALBA

This patient information on Pityriasis Alba is provided by John L. Meisenheimer, M.D. a board certified Dermatologist and skin care specialist based in Orlando, Florida.  This information is not intended as a substitute for the medical advice or treatment of a dermatologist or other physician.

What is it?    Pityriasis Alba is a peculiar disorder of the skin. It is usually seen in people under the age of thirty, very commonly children. Typically it appears as light colored patches of skin located commonly on the face, arms and trunk. The patches are usually asymptomatic, but occasionally they are mildly itchy. Pityriasis Alba is often more noticeable during the summer.

What causes it?    Pityriasis Alba is a mild inflammatory disease of the skin of unknown cause. It is frequently seen in people who have a personal or family history of asthma, allergies, or atopic eczema. It may resemble a fungus infection of the skin, but it is unrelated.

Is it dangerous?    It is harmless.

Can it be cured?    Most will outgrow the condition by age thirty. A few people will improve with treatment.

What home care should I use?

1. If you are having occasional mild itching you can try Prax Lotion . 

2. Moisturizing lotions may help soften the dryness. Moisturizer recommendations.

3. Using sunscreens may help kept the patches from becoming more noticeable during the summer months. Sunscreen recommendations.

Will it spread?    You may get a few new patches. Individual patches do not usually get very large in size.

 Is it contagious?    It is not contagious and you cannot "catch it" from anyone.

© John L. Meisenheimer, M.D.  2004                                   WWW.OrlandoSkinDoc.com

Last modified: 08/27/06