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Skin layers
Skin layers

Pityriasis alba

Definition:

Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder similar to very mild eczema, causing round or oval, colorless, finely-scaled patches of skin. These patches usually occur on the cheeks.

The disorder is most common in children and adolescents. The cause is unknown. Symptoms are treated with special creams -- patches usually clear up, but may return.



Causes, incidence, and risk factors:



Symptoms:
  • Small white patches
    • Round or oval
    • Lighter than surrounding skin (hypopigmented)
    • Flat (macular) or slightly elevated
    • Slight scaling with very small fine scales (may be present)
  • Location -- face, outer upper arms, neck and upper trunk
  • Lesions don't tan during the summer
  • May redden quickly in the sun


Signs and tests:



Treatment:



Support Groups:



Expectations (prognosis):



Complications:



Calling your health care provider:



Prevention:




Review Date: 7/22/2005
Reviewed By: Jonathan Kantor, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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114 Woodland Street
Hartford, Connecticut 06105
(860) 714-4000

 
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