Pityriasis Alba (White Patches on Face)

Pityriasis Alba (White Patches on Face)

Effective solutions for white patches on your child’s face with gentle, child-safe treatments.

What is Pityriasis Alba?

Pityriasis Alba is a common skin condition in children characterized by pale, hypopigmented patches on the face, particularly the cheeks. These patches are usually dry and scaly and are more noticeable in darker-skinned children or after sun exposure when the surrounding skin tans. It’s a benign condition but can cause cosmetic concerns for parents and children.

Dr. Radhika Patidar provides accurate diagnosis and gentle treatment options to help restore your child’s even skin tone while addressing the underlying dryness and inflammation.

✨ Key Benefits

  • πŸ”¬ Accurate Diagnosis: Proper differentiation from other white patches
  • πŸ‘Ά Child-Safe Treatments: Gentle approaches suitable for delicate skin
  • πŸ’« Even Skin Tone: Restoration of normal pigmentation
  • 🌿 Comprehensive Care: Addressing both dryness and pigmentation

Common Characteristics

  • Location: Primarily on cheeks, but can appear on arms and trunk
  • Appearance: Pale, poorly-defined white patches
  • Texture: Fine scaling and mild dryness
  • Seasonal Variation: More noticeable in summer months
  • Age Group: Most common in children 3-16 years old

Our Treatment Approach

  1. Proper Diagnosis: Differentiation from vitiligo and other conditions
  2. Moisturization Therapy: Intensive hydration to address dryness
  3. Mild Topical Treatments: Gentle medications to reduce inflammation
  4. Sun Protection: Essential to prevent contrast with tanned skin
  5. Patience & Monitoring: Natural resolution with proper management

Home Care Guidelines

βœ… Do’s

  • Apply moisturizer regularly throughout day
  • Use gentle, fragrance-free cleansers
  • Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
  • Be patient – repigmentation takes time

🚫 Don’ts

  • Don’t use harsh soaps or scrubs
  • Avoid excessive sun exposure
  • Don’t apply strong steroid creams without prescription
  • Avoid picking or scratching the patches

Quick Facts

  • Common Age: 3-16 years, peak 6-12 years
  • Duration: Patches may last months to years
  • Spontaneous Resolution: Often resolves by late teens
  • Treatment Response: Improvement typically seen in 2-3 months
  • Recurrence: May come and go until outgrown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Pityriasis Alba contagious?

No, it’s not contagious and cannot spread to other children or family members.

How is it different from vitiligo?

Pityriasis Alba has subtle scaling and poorly-defined borders, while vitiligo has complete pigment loss with sharp borders.

Will the white patches go away completely?

Yes, most children outgrow this condition, and patches typically resolve by late teenage years.

Can it be cured faster?

While we can accelerate improvement with treatment, natural resolution takes time and patience.

Why Choose Dr. Radhika Patidar?

  • Expert diagnosis to distinguish from other white patch conditions
  • Child-appropriate treatment plans
  • Emphasis on gentle, safe approaches
  • Comprehensive education for parents
  • Regular monitoring until resolution

Concerned About Your Child’s White Patches?

Book your consultation with Dr. Radhika Patidar for proper diagnosis and gentle treatment.

  • πŸ“ž +91 909898 0801
  • πŸ“§ drradhika@patidarclinic.com
  • πŸ• Mon–Sat, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Book Appointment

*Proper diagnosis is essential as white patches can have different causes requiring different treatments.

Dr. Radhika Patidar | Best Dermatologist for Skin, Hair & Permanent Makeup in Indore
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