Pityriasis alba.

Dermatology and Pediatrics, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, USA.

Pityriasis alba (PA) is a common benign condition in children that has no definitive treatment. Its etiology and pathogenesis are still poorly understood. Recent studies have found direct correlations between the incidence of PA and atopy, amount of sun exposure, lack of sunscreen use, and frequency of bathing. It is often an incidental finding on physical examination because it is usually asymptomatic. Although treatment with emollients and mild topical corticosteroids may accelerate the repigmentation, they have limited efficacy. Without intervention, the lesions normally resolve within months to years. Extensive PA and pigmenting PA are rarer variants.

PMID: 16144284 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]