Name
PITYRIASIS ALBA
DESCRIPTION
DETAIL
CAUSES β’ Unknown. Maybe part of an atopic diathesis. β’ Possibly defects in melanin production or transfer -------------------------------------------------------------------------- DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS β’ Pityriasis versicolor β’ Vitiligo β’ Milia β’ Keratosis pilaris β’ Indeterminate or uncharacteristic leprosySPECIAL TESTS Negative KOH skin scraping DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES History and physical exam. Atopic diathesis is of diagnostic significance.
TYPENOTES
RISK FACTORS Children with a genetic predisposition to atopic diseaseGENERAL MEASURES No truly effective therapy available. Lubricating cream application may improve roughness and/or dryness. ACTIVITY No restrictions DIET No special diet PATIENT EDUCATION Stress long-term chronicity and permanent resolution in second or third decade of life DRUG(S) OF CHOICE β’ Coal tar preparations - Alphosyl, Estar, Balnetar, applied topically once or twice a day. Treatment is not mandatory. β’ Topical steroids if needed to reduce redness due to sunburn or spontaneous infl ammation β’ Note: Neither will change the pigmentation, but may improve pruritus, roughness and/or dryness, if the lubricating cream is not suffi cient β’ Phototherapy (eg, UVB) for extensive involvements in adults only β’ Anecdotal evidence supports use of Lacticare HC 1% (Lac-Hydrin + 1% hydrocortisone lotion) PATIENT MONITORING As needed only if lesions become symptomatic PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE No known preventive measures POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS None expected EXPECTED COURSE/PROGNOSIS Permanent resolution during second or third decade of life
RELATED DISEASE
Not Available Disease
DISEASE
INVESTIGATION
KOH PREPARATION FOR FUNGUS