Definition

Noun: 1. A common, benign skin condition: Pityriasis alba is a mild form of eczema (dermatitis) characterized by round or oval, pale, slightly scaly patches on the skin. It is most frequently seen in children and young adults, often on the face, but can appear on the neck, shoulders, and arms. The depigmentation (lightening of the skin) is more noticeable after sun exposure when the surrounding skin tans.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The pediatrician diagnosed the dry patches on the child's cheeks as pityriasis alba.
  • Unlike other conditions, pityriasis alba typically causes no itching or significant discomfort.
  • The main concern with pityriasis alba is often cosmetic, as the pale patches can be visible for months.

Advanced Usage

• Clinical Context: The term is used almost exclusively in medical and dermatological contexts to describe this specific condition. It is often abbreviated in clinical notes.
  • The differential diagnosis included pityriasis alba, tinea versicolor, and vitiligo.

Variants and Related Words

• Pityriasis (noun): A general term for skin conditions characterized by fine, bran-like scaling. "Pityriasis alba" is a specific type.
  • Other forms include pityriasis rosea and pityriasis versicolor (also known as tinea versicolor).

Synonyms

• None that are exact. It is a specific medical term. In non-medical language, it may be loosely described as "dry, pale patches" or a "mild skin rash."

Related Phrases

• Hypopigmented patches: A descriptive phrase for the light-colored skin areas caused by pityriasis alba.
  • The examination revealed multiple hypopigmented patches consistent with pityriasis alba.

Related Idioms

• Not applicable. This is a technical medical term and is not used idiomatically.

Noun

1. common form of pityriasis (usually in children or young adults) characterized by round patches of depigmentation