Abstract

AN UPDATED REVIEW ON PITYRIASIS ALBA

Sripada Ramam*, Bondada Neelima, Bonam Jyothi, Bondada Bharatha Pushya RajaSanjay, Magharla Dasaratha Dhana Raju, Gudimetla Lilli Sailaja.

Abstract

Pityriasis Alba (P. Alba) is a relatively common skin disorder characterized by the presence of fine scaly hypo pigmented macules or patches. It was first described by fox in 1923. He was unable to account for its pathogenesis and kept unnamed for many years. There was no gender variability for this skin disorder and was prevalent all over the world. The exact etiology of P. Alba is not known. Lesions are usually oval or round or irregular in shape with red or pink or skin coloured and may ranges from 4-20 in number. They are often characterized by hypo pigmented patches with 0.5-6cms in diameter. Spongiosis, acanthosis, hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis are the histological findings that can be observed during diagnosis. Low potency topical steroids like Hydrocortisone (0.5%) and (1%), Desonide (0.05%), Tacrolimus (0.1%), Pimecrolimus (1%), Calcitriol (0.0003%), Sorbityl furfural palmitate cream, Elidel, Lac-Hydrin, Zetar (2%) in Cordran cream, Vioform cream (1%) were found to be effective in treating this disorder. Treatment with 308nm excimer laser twice a week for 12 weeks is also an effective treatment approach. Patients should be strictly advised not to expose to harsh sunlight. Lesions become prominent in sun exposure so in order to reduce the discrepancy, sunscreen creams or lotions are recommended. In some circumstances, P. Alba remained mysterious to understand because of no exact etiology, histological pattern and effective treatment approaches. Hence there is an urgent need for the evaluation of etiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and effective therapeutic plans to provide better patient care for individuals with P. Alba.

Keywords: Pityriasis Alba, Erythema streptogenes, Impetigo furfuracea, Pityriasis streptogenes, Pityriasis simplex, Spongiosis.