MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Pityriasis alba

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Pityriasis alba

Contents of this page:
Illustrations Definition Causes	Symptoms Treatment

Illustrations

Skin layers

Definition Return to top

Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder similar to very mild eczema.

Causes Return to top

The cause is unknown. The disorder is most common in children and adolescents -- particularly in children with dark skin.

Symptoms Return to top

Round or oval, colorless patches of skin appear on the face, upper arms, neck, and upper middle of the body. There may be flaky skin, called scales.

The patches don't tan, but may get red quickly in the sun.

Treatment Return to top

Symptoms are treated with special creams. The patches usually clear up, but may return.

Update Date: 4/16/2007

Updated by: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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