Pigmenting pityriasis alba.
We conducted a prospective study of 20 patients with pigmenting pityriasis alba (PPA) over a period of two years. Characteristic morphology revealed a central zone of bluish hyperpigmentation surrounded by a hypopigmented, slightly scaly halo of variable width. All patients displayed lesions on the face. Concomitant extrafacial involvement was uncommon. A significant finding was an associated dermatophyte infection in 13 patients (65%). These patients all received griseofulvin 10 mg/kg/day for eight weeks, resulting in the resolution of PPA in seven within 4 to 20 weeks. These were also treated with 1% hydrocortisone. Biopsy specimens from two patients showed similar features, namely, a subacute dermatitis with variable pigment incontinence. Immunohistochemical labeling revealed a preponderance of T lymphocytes. Pigmenting pityriasis alba seems to be a variant of classic pityriasis alba showing a strong association with dermatophyte infection, especially tinea capitis. It may be related to lichenoid melanodermatitis.
Department of Dermatology, University of Stellenbosch, Tygerberg, Republic of South Africa.
M J
MJ
du Toit
H F
HF
Jordaan
D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003876:Dermatitis, Atopic / Q000150:complications; D003881:Dermatomycoses / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006118:Griseofulvin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D006854:Hydrocortisone; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D010859:Pigmentation Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D010915:Pityriasis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D006118:Griseofulvin; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D006854:Hydrocortisone