Overview
Pityriasis alba is a common skin condition that mostly affects children. It looks like scaly or flaky patches that are lighter than the surrounding skin, and the affected areas usually occur on the face or cheeks. Pityriasis alba can be bothersome because of its appearance, but the condition is not a serious one. The cause of pityriasis alba is not well known, but it does seem to be more common in children and teens who also have allergies or asthma, so the things that trigger these other conditions may also trigger pityriasis alba. Most people also notice that the condition is more severe in the summertime; this may be because it is more noticeable in the summer as the surrounding skin becomes tan. There is no certain treatment for pityriasis; it usually goes away on its own within a year. Pityriasis alba is not contagious.
