The Open Dermatology Journal, 2009, 3, 7-8 7

Open Access
Pityriasis Alba: A Condition with Possibly Multiple Etiologies
Craig G. Burkhart*,1 and Craig N. Burkhart2

1
University of Toledo College of Medicine, USA
2
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA

Abstract: Pityriasis alba is a common hypomelanosis which is generally seen in young children. There is no specific
known cause for this condition; however, studies to elucidate pathogenic factors seem to suggest that there are at least five
separate causes for the condition. This list includes dermatitis, photosensitivity, fungal and bacterial pathogenesis, and
post-inflammatory alterations. An evaluation into causative factors translates into alternative therapeutic options, which
may be advantageous with affected individuals.

When a disease has diverse clinical presentations and no makes one more prone to this condition. Certainly, any in-
known cause, it is possible that one is looking at slightly flammation of the skin may affect pigment cell function.
different diseases with similar clinical characteristics. Indeed, many consider the disease to be a mild form of ec-
zema.
Pityriasis alba is a common condition in practice mostly
occurring in children between the ages of 3 and 16, but can Secondly, photosensitivity may also play a role in this
be additionally seen in young adults. It usually appears as entity [1]. The peak incidence of the condition coincides
dry, fine scaled, pale patches, 0.5 to 6 cm in diameter; how- with the age when children begin to do more outdoor activi-
ever, often the flakiness is not present. The rash is limited to ties. Typical location of lesions is in sun-exposed areas. Also
the face in 50 % of cases, particularly the mid-forehead, ma- prolonged sun exposure of several hours also increases ones
lar ridges, and around the eyes and mouth; nevertheless, in- chances of developing the condition. Thus, the melanocytes
volvement of the shoulders, neck, back, and upper chest may appear to be sensitive to sun in these patients.
predominate in others. It is symmetrical in distribution, but
Hypopigmentation can also be explained by damage to
sometimes only marginally. The condition often begins as a
melanocytes and inhibition of tyrosinase by decarboxylic
pale pink or light brown macule with very indistinct margins,
acid, azelic acid (a competitive inhibitor of tyrosinase),
but it often just appears suddenly with decreased pigmenta-
and/or tryptophan-derived metabolites produced by normal
tion. Macules vary from 5 to 30 mm or larger.
yeast, namely Malassezia furfur, a yeast that is part of the
The condition is so named as pityriasis means scaly and skin surfaces normal flora [2, 3]. Thus, some pityriasis alba
alba is the word for white in Latin. Of note, the patches in patients have a sensitivity to the byproducts of this fungus.
pityriasis alba are not totally depigmented as with vitiligo. Unlike tinea versicolor, the organism is not increased in
The hypopigmentation with pityriasis alba is due to both numbers in pityriasis alba. Also, pathogenic fungus are not
reduced activity of melanocytes as well as fewer and smaller involved with this condition [4].
melanosomes; in vitiligo, on the other hand, there is total Propionibacterium acnes bacteria, which live in the hair
loss of both melanocytes and melanosomes. Histologically,
follicles, has been considered as a possible producer of a
the condition reveals subacute spongiotic dermatitis with
hypothetical depigmenting factor [5, 6]. Pityriasis alba is
decreased melanin within the epidermis. A differential diag-
frequently noted in children with early comedonal and popu-
nosis would include vitiligo, psoriatic leukoderma, tinea ver-
lar acne. Propionibacterium acnes was yielded from cultured
sicolor, follicular mucinosis, pityriasis lichenoides chronica,
biopsy specimens taken from follicular lesional skin [6].
sarcoidosis, adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma, and mycosis Propionibacterium acnes produces a number of bioactive
fungoides.
virulence factors and is known for its inflammatory and im-
There is no specific known cause for this condition; how- munomodulatory properties [7, 8]. A number of exocellular
ever, studies to elucidate pathogenic factors seem to suggest enzymes and metabolites can directly damage host tissue
that there are at least five separate causes for the condition. including melanocytes [9].
First, there is an increased incidence in individuals who bath Additionally, pityriasis alba may be merely secondary to
excessively, defined as showering over once daily [1]. This
postinflammatory changes. Indeed, studies of alterations of
could infer that removal of normal epidermal defensins and
the stratum corneum by both hygroscopicity and water-
other natural protective substances from the skin surface,
holding capacity detectable by water sorption-desorption
testing support this theory [10].
*Address correspondence to this author at the University of Toledo School An evaluation into causative factors translates into alter-
of Medicine, 5600 Monroe Street, Suite 106B, Sylvania, OH 43560, USA; native therapeutic options, which is advantageous with con-
Tel: 419-885-3403; Fax: 419-885-3401; E-mail: [email protected]
ditions which lack a definitive cure. Evaluations of causes of
pityriasis alba are therefore warranted.

1874-3722/09 2009 Bentham Open

8 The Open Dermatology Journal, 2009, Volume 3 Burkhart and Burkhart

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Received: November 3, 2008 Revised: December 16, 2008 Accepted: December 17, 2008

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