Health Resources

Pityriasis Alba (Children)

2024/05/31
Signs & Symptoms

Pityriasis Alba is characterised by multiple, non-itchy, oval, mildly scaly, flat hypopigmented (white) patches. These patches commonly appear on the face, arms and upper trunk. The contrast becomes more prominent after sun exposure, as the surrounding skin darkens. These lesions are often mistakenly identified as fungal infections, leading to inappropriate treatment with antifungals.

About the condition

Pityriasis Alba is a mild form of dermatitis. It predominantly affects children between three and 16 years of age. The condition is marked by the same non-itchy, hypopigmented patches as described in the symptoms.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Pityriasis Alba is a benign condition that tends to resolve on its own over time. In some cases, steroid creams may help.

Last updated on
Best viewed with Chrome 79.0, Edge 112.0, Firefox 61.0, Safari 11
National University Health System
  • National University Hospital
  • Ng Teng Fong General Hospital
  • Alexandra Hospital
  • Jurong Community Hospital
  • National University Polyclinics
  • Jurong Medical Centre
  • National University Cancer Institute, Singapore
  • National University Heart Centre, Singapore
  • National University Centre for Oral Health, Singapore
  • NUHS Diagnostics
  • NUHS Pharmacy
  • Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine
  • Faculty of Dentistry
  • Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health
Back to Top