How can you tell the difference between pityriasis alba and vitiligo?
In vitiligo, there is complete loss of the pigment in the skin but no other skin changes. Clues that pityriasis alba is the correct diagnosis are an incomplete loss of pigment, commonly associated with subtle skin changes of erythema and scaling within the hypopigmented patches, as seen in this patient.
Can you have pityriasis alba and vitiligo?
This study confirmed that pityriasis alba might change into vitiligo by following findings: close association between pityriasis alba and vitiligo, high positive family history of vitiligo among patients with pityriasis alba, high percentage of pityriasis alba progressed to vitiligo and Koebner’s phenomena had a high …
How do I know if I have pityriasis alba?
The most common sign of pityriasis alba is the skin patches that show up on your face, neck, arms, shoulders, or belly. You can have them for a few months to a few years. Usually, the patches don’t cause any symptoms. But sometimes they may be itchy, red, or scaly.
How long does pityriasis alba take to heal?
The duration of pityriasis alba varies from 1 month to 10 years, with most cases resolving over a period of several months to a year. Diagnosis is made clinically, and treatment consists of skin care and education of a young patient’s parents about the benign nature of the disorder.
Is every white patch is vitiligo?
Vitiligo often starts as a pale patch of skin that gradually turns completely white. The centre of a patch may be white, with paler skin around it. If there are blood vessels under the skin, the patch may be slightly pink, rather than white.
How quickly does vitiligo appear?
Vitiligo usually begins with a few small white patches that may gradually spread over the body over the course of several months.
Are all white patches on skin vitiligo?
Vitiligo can start at any age, but usually appears before age 30. Depending on the type of vitiligo you have, it may affect: Nearly all skin surfaces. With this type, called universal vitiligo, the discoloration affects nearly all skin surfaces.
How does pityriasis alba start?
What causes pityriasis alba? The cause of pityriasis alba is unknown. Pityriasis alba often coexists with dry skin and atopic dermatitis. It often presents following sun exposure, perhaps because tanning of surrounding skin makes affected areas more prominent.
What does pityriasis alba look like?
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, the condition begins as mildly itchy, pink patches that develop into lightened patches of skin.
Does pityriasis alba ever go away?
Pityriasis alba usually goes away on its own with patches returning to normal pigment over many months.
How can I reduce pityriasis alba?
No treatment is required for pityriasis alba. The patches usually go away with time. Your doctor may prescribe a moisturizing cream or topical steroid cream such as hydrocortisone to treat the condition. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe a nonsteroid cream, such as pimecrolimus.