Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder that mostly affects children and young adults. The exact cause is unknown. However, it’s believed that the condition may be associated with eczema, a common skin disorder that causes scaly, itchy rashes.
People with this skin disorder develop red or pink patches on their skin that are usually round or oval. The patches usually clear up with moisturizing creams or go away on their own. However, they often leave pale marks on the skin after the redness has faded.
Pityriasis alba isn’t contagious.
Symptoms
People with pityriasis alba get round, oval, or irregularly shaped patches of pale pink or red skin. The patches are usually scaly and dry. They may appear on the:
- face, which is the most common place
- upper arms
- neck
- chest
- back
Pale pink or red spots may fade into light-colored patches after several weeks. These patches usually clear up within a few months, but they can last for several years in some cases. They’re more noticeable in the summer months when the surrounding skin becomes tan. This is because the pityriasis patches don’t tan.
Treatment
No treatment is required for pityriasis alba. The patches usually go away with time.
Your doctor may prescribe a moisturizing cream or topical cream to help reduce skin discoloration and relieve any dryness, scaling, or itchiness.
Even if you’ve had treatment, the patches can return in the future. You may need to use the creams again. In most cases, however, pityriasis alba goes away by adulthood.