Pityriasis Alba is a mild skin disorder that is frequently found in children and adolescents although; it can develop in adults to. This asymptomatic dermatosis involves round or oval patches of hypo-pigmented skin and is often clinically mistaken for other conditions such as eczema or fungal infections. However, Pityriasis Alba poses no harm and, in most cases, it goes away on its own still, having knowledge about the causes, signs, and treatment options regarding Pityriasis Alba will help control the manifestations on the skin.
What Is Pityriasis Alba?
Dr Kariuki brought up that Pityriasis Alba is a type of
dermatitis that primarily results in hypo-pigmented regions on the skin. These
patches normally foster on the face, neck, arms, or any piece of the body that
comes into contact with the sun. In most cases, the surface of cells on the
patches may be slightly scaly or dry, whereas after some time they turn smooth.
The skin condition Pityriasis Alba is not infectious; it rarely causes problems
beyond moderate itching or mild skin dryness.
Causes of Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Alba has not yet been given a definite cause but
the following risk factors have been cited while diagnosing the condition. Here
are some common causes and triggers:
Dry Skin
Pityriasis alba is inclined toward dry climatic
circumstances, and this is accelerated by the way that the skin dries seriously
during winter when it is cold and less sticky. Skin dryness and inappropriate
skin pigmentation: When the skin's dampness hindrance is debilitated it becomes dry
and the skin's color becomes lopsided.
Atopic Dermatitis
The frequency of Pityriasis Alba has been connected with a
commonness of atopic dermatitis and different kinds of skin inflammation.
Pityriasis Alba is a type of eczema that is labeled non-inflammatory while
mild, and this type of skin condition can bring about pigment changes.
Sun Exposure
Pityriasis Alba may cause lighter areas of the skin to
develop if the patient exposes him/herself to extreme sunlight.
Genetic Predisposition
Pityriasis Alba may be related to genetic factors since this
skin condition develops more often in those people who have a family history of
eczema or other atopic diseases.
Age and Gender
Pityriasis Alba may develop at any age, but it is most
prevalent in children and adolescents. Both sexes are an impact but there is a
report showing that boys are affected slightly more than girls.
Symptoms of Pityriasis Alba
Pityriasis Alba symptoms are unique and may not be confused
with those of other skin disorders in this category. The primary symptoms
include:
Hypo pigmented Patches
The common sign more apparent with Pityriasis Alba is the
formation of silvery, white or light Coloured circles or ovals on the skin
surface. As mentioned above these patches are usually several centimeters in
size.
Mild Scaling or Dryness
At the beginning, the spot may have a downy, scaly feel to
it or feel somewhat rough. As the condition advances, the patches usually
become flatter and there is no initial scaling when one is expected.
Location of Patches
Pityriasis Alba is found mainly on the face, favoring the
cheeks and chin, but it can occur rarely on the neck, upper arms and any other
part exposed to sunlight.
Minimal Itching
Though Pityriasis Alba is not itchy, few people may feel a
slight itchiness on the skin, particularly if the skin is dry or is exposed to
sun.
Diagnosis of Pityriasis Alba
The conclusion of Pityriasis Alba can undoubtedly be made
clinically by a dermatologist just by the assessment of the skin. The condition
can be analyzed assuming that the dermatologists focus on the skin and search
for the typical hypo pigmented skin sores. In some situations, skin scrapings
will be collected and examined using a Wood’s lamp which is a UV light tool to
help differentiate Pityriasis Alba from fungal infections and or vitiligo.
Therapies for Pityriasis Alba
In most cases, Pityriasis Alba disappears without treatment,
but the following options can enhance the skin’s texture and minimize any
inching. In general, available treatment focuses on skin hydration and skin
color balancing.
Moisturizers And Emollients
Patting of some creams such as those that may be marked as
moisturizing or sensitive skin creams will aid in keeping the skin in the
affected areas from becoming dry and developing scales as seen in Pityriasis
Alba condition.
Topical Corticosteroids
For conditions with a higher degree of dryness or even a
mild itching sensation, there is use of low potency topical corticosteroids
such as hydrocortisone. Beneath a doctor’s prescription and for not more than a
week at a time as regular use leads to skin damage in the form of thinning.
Anticipated New Molecular Class
In some situations, topical preparations of calcineurin
inhibitors pimecrolimus or tacrolimus applied to the skin should be used. These
are not steroids and therefore help in better management of the condition for
long periods.
Sun Protection
Some people with Pityriasis Alba should avoid sun exposure
because this makes the hypo pigmented area more prominent and therefore they
should apply sunscreen. Sunscreens with an SPF 30 or higher provide
broad-spectrum protection for the skin and keep the surrounding skin and
tissues from pigmentation and the lighter areas are accentuated.
Gentle Skin Care Routine
In this case the skin remains moisturized, if gentle skin
care is adapted. Do not use soap, hot water, or rubbing the area as they
aggravate the skin’s dryness and inflammation. Take only gentle, non-fragranced
washes and avoid rubbing the skin vigorously after washing.
Pityriasis Alba Cure: Using Home Remedies
In addition to medical treatments, some natural remedies can
provide relief from the dryness and scaling associated with Pityriasis Alba:
Aloe Vera Gel
Aloe Vera is well known in its ability to replace the lost
moisture in the skin and give it a cooling effect. When it comes to scaling, it
is best to apply hundred percent aloe Vera gel on the affected parts of the
skin since it manages to moisturize adequately.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil particularly contains unsaturated fats that
assist in recuperating the skin and keep it saturated. Scouring a small amount
of coconut oil into the impacted region is likewise viable in keeping up with
skin moisturization and surface.
Oatmeal Baths
Oatmeal is a good remedy for agents that cause irritation or
dry skin. You can use colloidal oatmeal adding it to the warm water as a kind
of bath that is very effective to treat Pityriasis Alba due to its consequence
of easing itching and dryness.
In The End
Pityriasis Alba is a harmless skin condition that, while
frequently self-restricting, can be troubling because of its recognizable
patches. With the right methodology, most instances of Pityriasis Alba resolve
after some time, leaving skin solid and adjusted. Be that as it may, assuming
the condition endures or declines, counsel a dermatologist to investigate
further treatment choices and guarantee legitimate consideration.
Please book an appointment with the Best Dermatologist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find a verified doctor for your disease.
