Flat, smooth, lighter (hypopigmented) patches of skin are typical of pityriasis alba. This image displays a close-up of pityriasis alba. Areas of the skin that are lighter in color and flat to the touch are typical of pityriasis alba. On this child, the lighter-colored flat spots of pityriasis alba are joining together to form large irregular patches.
Share |

Pityriasis Alba  A parent's guide for infants and babies

Picture of Pityriasis Alba: Flat, smooth, lighter (hypopigmented) patches of skin are typical of pityriasis alba. Divider line
Flat, smooth, lighter (hypopigmented) patches of skin are typical of pityriasis alba.
left arrow
right arrow
Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for pityriasis alba include:
  • Cheeks, around the mouth, and chin
  • Forehead
  • Neck
  • Shoulders, upper chest, and upper arms
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 hypopigmented patches.

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.
Prev: Who's At Risk | Self-Care Guidelines Next:
Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
skinmatters blog, skin health and skin care advice from experts
skin condition finder, over 170 skin conditions and thousands of medical pictures
ask the doctor, skin care questions from visitors, responses from experts