Pityriasis Alba - Medtick

Pityriasis Alba

What is it?

Common non-cancerous (benign) skin condition affecting from ages 3-16 years old.

  • It appears as light – coloured patches, especially on:
    • Forehead
    • Cheeks
    • Around the mouth
    • Chin
    • Neck
    • Shoulders
    • Upper chest
    • Upper arms
  • It usually clears after puberty and/or when child turns to adult.

Cause

Medication

  • One can be allergic or sensitive to medication
  • Medication cause skin reactions
  • Medications alter hormone balance
  • Medication makes you lose water causing skin dehydration.

Symptoms

  • Lesions appear as several (2 – 20) hypopigmented patches ranging in size from 1-4 cm, which may have slight and subtle scale?
  • Lesions on the cheeks, around the mouth and chin, forehead, neck, shoulders, upper chest and upper arms (Patches appear more pronounced on dark or suntanned skin)?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition can lead to:

  • Bacterial skin infections
  • Viral skin infections (eczema herpeticum, caused by herpes virus):
    • Areas of painful eczema that quickly get worse
    • Groups of fluid-filled blisters that break open and leave small, shallow open sores on the skin
    • High temperature and generally feeling unwell

Higher Risk and Treatment

  • Person with the following conditions are a higher risk:
  • Keep the skin moist (hydrated), Moisturising Creams and ointments are better moisturizers than lotions, and they work best when applied just after bathing.
    Drink plenty of water
  • Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers, with daily applications of moisturizer.
  • Do not try to scrub the bumps away with a pumice stone or similar harsh material; these approaches may irritate the skin and worsen the condition.
  • Try not to scratch or picking at the bumps, as these actions can lead to bacterial infections or scarring.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Pityriasis Alba in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).