Pityriasis Alba

Pityriasis alba: a study of pathogenic factors

“…It affects the face in over 50% of cases, and most patients are children between 6 and 16 years of age 1–3 . Males are thought to be affected more frequently, as well as individuals with darker skin colour 4–7 . Although it has been studied since the nineteenth century, the aetiology of PA is not well established and the condition is known by a variety of names, usually related to the proposed aetiological agents.…”

“…Among them, environmental influences, such as temperature variations, relative air humidity, altitude and excessive sun light exposure, have been blamed 5,12 . More recently, clinical evidence has shown that the damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation may also be implicated, considering that excessive skin irritation induces inflammatory reactions, and that the direct action of sunlight over melanocytes modify their function, leading to a decrease in the intensity of colour in PA lesions 6,13 . Skin dryness observed in PA patients may also be induced by inappropriate use of soap and abrasives, and very long and hot baths 1,2 , 5,6 , 13,14 .…”

“…More recently, clinical evidence has shown that the damage caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation may also be implicated, considering that excessive skin irritation induces inflammatory reactions, and that the direct action of sunlight over melanocytes modify their function, leading to a decrease in the intensity of colour in PA lesions 6,13 . Skin dryness observed in PA patients may also be induced by inappropriate use of soap and abrasives, and very long and hot baths 1,2 , 5,6 , 13,14 . Among dermatological conditions, atopic dermatitis (AD) can also lead to or worsen cutaneous dryness 3,15–17 …”

Efficacy of 308-nm Xenon Chloride Excimer Laser in Pityriasis Alba

“…10 Fox initially described PA, and O'Farrell named it. 10 Fox initially described PA, and O'Farrell named it.…”

Disorders of Hypopigmentation and Depigmentation

“…Pityriasis alba, fi rst described by Fox [ 12 ] in 1923, is a common eczematous disorder that presents as ill-de fi ned, hypopigmented, slightly scaly, round to oval patches usually on the face, neck, and trunk [ 13 ] . It is a disease of childhood and adolescence that occurs in all races, but is most common in black children and children of Hispanic or Asian origin [ 14 ] .…”