Case of Pityriasis Alba in a Child – Understanding the Common White Patch Condition By Dr. Girishkumar M Chalawadi

Pityriasis alba is a benign and self-limiting skin condition most commonly seen in children aged 3 to 12 years.
It presents as light-colored or whitish patches, usually on the:

Cheeks
Upper arms
Neck
Upper trunk

These patches become more noticeable in darker skin tones and after sun exposure due to the contrast with surrounding skin.

✔️ Key Points About Pityriasis Alba:

It is not contagious
It is not vitiligo
It is usually related to dry or atopic skin
With proper moisturization and care, it improves on its own

👦 Case Summary

A 4-year-old boy was brought to G Square Skin & Hair Clinic, Hubli, with a gradually developing white patch on the left cheek for the past three weeks.

The parents reported:

Mild itching
No pain or scaling
No previous history of skin conditions
No exposure to irritant creams

🔍 Clinical Examination

The child had:

A single, ill-defined hypopigmented patch
Mild surface dryness
No scaling or redness
No signs suggestive of fungal infection, vitiligo, or steroid cream damage

🧩 Diagnosis

Based on the clinical features, the child was diagnosed with Pityriasis alba.

This condition is often considered a mild form of childhood atopic dermatitis, commonly seen in children with dry or sensitive skin.

No blood tests or skin tests were required.

💊 Treatment & Maintenance Care

Since Pityriasis alba is harmless and self-resolving, treatment focuses on:

Moisturizing the skin
Repairing the skin barrier
Reducing dryness and itching
Preventing recurrence

🔹 1. Moisturization & Barrier Repair

Use fragrance-free, ceramide-rich moisturizers

Apply 2–3 times daily, especially after bathing

Avoid strong soaps, foaming washes, and excessive scrubbing

A consistent moisturizing routine is the most important step.

🔹 2. Mild Anti-inflammatory Care

If the patch is itchy or inflamed:

Mild topical anti-inflammatory creams

Steroid-free options can be used when appropriate

These help in faster recovery.

🔹 3. Sun Protection

Use a child-safe broad-spectrum sunscreen when outdoors

Helps reduce tanning around the patch, making it less visible

🔹 4. Nutrition Support

Healthy skin needs good nutrition. Encourage:
Vitamin B-complex foods (whole grains, pulses)
Vitamin E sources (almonds, spinach)
Zinc-rich foods (dal, nuts)
Omega-3 healthy fats (flaxseed, ghee, nuts)
Hydration plays an important role in skin repair.

🌈 Outcome

After three weeks of:

Regular moisturization

Gentle skin care

Sun protection

…the patch showed significant improvement, with only mild dryness remaining. Parents were advised to continue daily moisturization to prevent recurrence.

🩺 Key Takeaway

Pityriasis alba is a completely harmless and treatable condition.
With:

✔️ proper moisturization
✔️ gentle skin care
✔️ sun protection
✔️ balanced diet

…children recover fully without any long-term complications.

Early evaluation ensures correct diagnosis and avoids unnecessary worry or wrong treatments.

👨‍⚕️ Expert Pediatric Dermatology Care in Hubli

At G Square Skin & Hair Clinic, Hubli, we provide specialized care for childhood skin conditions, ensuring safe, accurate, and child-friendly treatment plans.

If your child develops white patches, dry skin, or unexplained marks, consult a qualified dermatologist for proper guidance.

📍 G Square Skin & Hair Clinic – Hubli

📍 Visit: G Square Skin, Hair & Aesthetic Clinic – Hubli, Karnataka
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 91106 10004
🌐 Website: www.gsquareskinandaesthetics.in