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. Pityriasis alba can cause light patches of skin, typically involving the face, in people with darker skin. There may be numerous flat, lighter-colored, non-scaling areas with pityriasis alba.
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Pityriasis Alba:
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Picture of Pityriasis Alba: This image displays a close-up of pityriasis alba. Divider line
This image displays a close-up of pityriasis alba.
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Signs and Symptoms
The most common locations for pityriasis alba include:
  • Cheeks, around the mouth, 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, pityriasis alba begins as mildly itchy, pink patches that develop into lightened 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.
Last Modified: 29 Jan 2008

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