Overview
Pityriasis refers to the characteristic fine scale, and alba to its pale colour (hypopigmentation) so, Pityriasis alba is a low-grade type of eczema/dermatitis mainly seen in children and adolescents aged 3 to 16 years, but can occur in older and younger people. It affects boys and girls equally. The condition perhaps is more common, in dark skin compared to white skin. It often presents following sun exposure, perhaps because tanning of surrounding skin makes affected areas more prominent. People with pityriasis alba get round, oval, or irregularly shaped patches of pale pink or red skin. The patches are usually scaly and dry. No treatment is necessary for asymptomatic pityriasis alba but people with pityriasis alba 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.

Causes
Doctors don’t know what causes pityriasis alba. It may be related to another skin condition called atopic dermatitis or eczema that causes a skin rash. People whose skin is very sensitive or who get a lot of sun may be more likely to get the condition.

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
Pityriasis alba evolves through several stages.

Slightly scaly pink patch or plaque with a just palpable papular surface.
Hypopigmented patch or plaque with fine surface scale.
Then post-inflammatory hypopigmented macule without scale.
Resolution.

Diagnosis

Pityriasis alba is usually a clinical diagnosis but may be confused with several other disorders that cause hypopigmentation.

To exclude these, investigations may include:

Wood lamp examination: the hypopigmentation of pityriasis alba does not enhance, and there is no fluorescence
Scrapings for mycology: microscopy and fungal culture are negative in pityriasis alba
Skin biopsy: biopsy is rarely required, but may reveal mildly spongiotic dermatitis and reduction in melanin.
Risks for pityriasis alba

Pityriasis alba is most common in children and adolescents. It occurs in approximately 2 to 5 percent of children. It’s most frequently seen in children between the ages of 6 and 12 years. It’s also very common in children with atopic dermatitis, an itchy inflammation of the skin.

Pityriasis alba often appears in children who take hot baths frequently or who are exposed to the sun without sunscreen. However, it’s unclear if these factors cause the skin condition. Pityriasis alba isn’t contagious.

Treatment

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. Both types of creams can 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. The development or prominence of pityriasis alba can be reduced with sunscreen use to minimise sun tanning.

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