What triggers pityriasis alba?
What causes pityriasis alba? The cause of pityriasis alba is unknown. Pityriasis alba often coexists with dry skin and atopic dermatitis. It often presents following sun exposure, perhaps because tanning of surrounding skin makes affected areas more prominent.
How do I get rid of pityriasis alba?
No treatment is required for pityriasis alba. The patches usually go away with time. Your doctor may prescribe a moisturizing cream or topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone to treat the condition. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a nonsteroid cream, such as pimecrolimus.
How long does it take for pityriasis alba to go away?
The duration of pityriasis alba varies from 1 month to 10 years, with most cases resolving over a period of several months to a year. Diagnosis is made clinically, and treatment consists of skin care and education of a young patient’s parents about the benign nature of the disorder.
Does pityriasis alba spread on the body?
Pityriasis alba is a common and benign skin condition. It is not contagious, meaning that it does not spread from one person to another.
How do you stop pityriasis alba from spreading?
Pityriasis alba often gets better on its own. A moisturizer or cream can help with dryness. If your skin is inflamed, itchy, or red, your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid or a nonsteroidal cream. Targeted phototherapy may help reverse or stop pityriasis alba.
What does pityriasis alba look like?
Pityriasis alba appears as several (2–20) light-colored (hypopigmented) patches ranging in size from 1–4 cm. The patches may have slight and subtle surface patches (scale). Occasionally, the condition begins as mildly itchy, pink patches that develop into lightened patches of skin.
Does pityriasis alba get worse?
People often think that pityriasis alba gets worse in the summer, but it just becomes more obvious as the normal surrounding skin becomes darker with sun exposure.
Is Vaseline good for pityriasis alba?
If you suspect that your child has pityriasis alba, the most important self-care measure is to keep the skin well moisturized. Try the following: Use non-soap cleansers or moisturizing soaps. Apply moisturizers such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or fragrance-free ointments and creams.
How can I get rid of pityriasis alba at home?
Try the following:
- Use non-soap cleansers or moisturizing soaps.
- Apply moisturizers such as petroleum jelly (Vaseline®) or fragrance-free ointments and creams.
- Avoid sun exposure and wear sunscreen.
- Apply over-the-counter hydrocortisone cream sparingly for 3–7 days.
Is Cetaphil good for pityriasis alba?
Alba treated? In general, treatment is not necessary because the condition is harmless and disappears by itself. A moisturizing lotion such as Lubriderm or Cetaphil may help prevent new patches from appearing.
Does pityriasis alba itch?
The most common sign of pityriasis alba is the skin patches that show up on your face, neck, arms, shoulders, or belly. You can have them for a few months to a few years. Usually, the patches don’t cause any symptoms. But sometimes they may be itchy, red, or scaly.