Pityriasis alba in Adult
Synopsis
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Pityriasis alba often has a chronic course, tends to relapse, and usually worsens in the summer with increased sun exposure. It predominately occurs in children between the ages of 3 and 16 years and is found equally in both sexes. In the majority of patients, spontaneous resolution typically occurs before adulthood. This disorder is common in all ethnicities, although the hypopigmented lesions are more obvious in patients with darker skin colors.
The exact cause of the condition is unknown, although the characteristic hypopigmentation may be secondary to a preceding subclinical dermatitis. Environmental triggers such as heat, humidity, sunlight exposure, detergents / soaps, abrasive clothing, chemicals, and smoke, along with stress, may aggravate this disorder. Microorganisms such as Pityrosporum, Streptococcus, Aspergillus, and Staphylococcus may also be triggers. Evidence also suggests that pityriasis alba is a mild eczematous dermatitis.
Codes
L30.5 – Pityriasis alba
SNOMEDCT:
402296004 – Pityriasis alba
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Last Updated:06/30/2024
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