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.
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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.
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Treatments Your Provider May Prescribe
To make sure that there is no yeast or fungus present, your physician may wish to scrape some of the scales onto a slide and examine them under a microscope. This procedure, called a KOH (potassium hydroxide) preparation, allows the doctor to look for tell-tale signs of yeast infection. Pityriasis alba is not caused by an infection with yeast or fungus; therefore, the KOH preparation should be negative.

Since pityriasis alba is benign and does not usually spread or last long, no treatment may be necessary. The physician will recommend many of the self-care measures listed above. In very severe, widespread infections with pityriasis alba, the doctor may recommend:
  • Prescription-strength corticosteroid (cortisone) cream
  • Ultraviolet light therapy
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Last Modified: 22 Dec 2008
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