title: Pityriasis Alba--Common Disease, Enigmatic Entity: Up-to-Date Review of the Literature.
abstract: Pityriasis alba (PA) is a skin disorder that affects children and adolescents. Although it is common worldwide, its incidence is markedly higher in darker skin phototypes. Its characteristic features include an extended, multistage course and spontaneous remissions and recurrences. Preceded by erythematous changes, patches of hypopigmented skin of up to a few centimeters in diameter appear on the upper body. Pruritus may accompany it. Even though its etiology is unknown, possible reported triggering factors include sunlight, beauty treatments, and microorganisms, among others. Calcineurin inhibitors play the most crucial role in PA pharmacotherapy. PA often coexists with atopic dermatitis and is considered one of its milder forms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Nina
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Miazek
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Irmina
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Michalek
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pawlowska-Kisiel
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Malgorzata
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Olszewska
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.
authors.forename: Lidia
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rudnicka
mesh_terms: D000279:Administration, Cutaneous; D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D010915:Pityriasis / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D011379:Prognosis; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012737:Sex Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents