It is chronic skin disorder which generally affects children aged between six and twelve years. The rashes which are formed are characterized by patches of the lighter skin which can also occur on the face but are normally found on arms, chest and neck. One can clearly see the border of the rash. These light colored patches blend slowly into normal appearing skin At times the rash is enclosed by a very fine skin flakes which resemble a light dust. At times this disease can be confused with tinea versicolor which is an autoimmune response to a fungus on the skin.

This condition is considered to be harmless and is of a cosmetic concern. Drying agents such as wind, sunlight or soap can trigger the disorder on the fragile skin of the children. The depigmentation caused by this disease is nor permanent and is self limiting. The patches which are formed get resolved by adulthood. There are two to three macules which are present with a diameter of five to thirty mm.

As the disease is self limited and asymptomatic, medical treatment is not always required. The treatments which are used include topical steroids, emollients and PUVA although these treatments have limited efficacy.

In ancient Greece the word pityriasis was used by Hippocrates for describing the scruffy appearance of the skin that looked like it was covered by the fine bran of grain known as pityron. Alba was derived from the Latin word albus which means white.

Cause

The cause of this disease is not known and it becomes more noticeable after exposure to the sun. The rash gets worsened when the skin gets dried. During the winter season when the skin becomes dry, the rash becomes flakier. This disease is more visible during summer months when the surrounding skin gets tanner.

Symptoms

It results in the formation of small white patches which are round or oval in shape and they are lighter in color as compared to the surrounding skin and these patches are either flat or slightly elevated.. These patches do not get tanned during the summers but might get reddened in the sun.

Treatment

No form of treatment is required as the rash can disappear on its own. Application of a hydrocortisone or moisturizer helps the body to get rid of the patches faster. Even when treatment is taken, the rashes take months to get resolved. One percent hydrocortisone cream which is available OTC can be applied once or twice daily on the affected region.    

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