What is the difference between pityriasis alba and vitiligo, their symptoms, and causes? Pityriasis alba is a skin condition that affects children and appears as light patches with slight scaling.
Vitiligo, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes the loss of pigment in skin cells, resulting in white patches. We will learn about the difference between the two, their symptoms, and effective treatment methods.
What is pityriasis alba
Pityriasis alba is a common skin disorder that appears as scaly or pale white patches on the skin. It is a non-contagious skin condition.
It most commonly affects children and adolescents and appears primarily on the face, arms, and upper body. It may become more noticeable when the surrounding skin darkens in the summer.
What is vitiligo
Vitiligo is a rare genetic disorder that leads to the complete loss of natural pigmentation in various areas of the external body, including the hair, eyes, and skin.
It occurs as a result of the death of pigment cells (melanocytes) or their cessation of melanin production. It is associated with autoimmune disorders and genetics, with environmental and physical factors, such as stress, playing a role in triggering it.
Symptoms of Pityriasis Alba and Vitiligo
Common symptoms of pityriasis alba include:
- Pale white or pink patches initially.
- They may have fine scales.
- They most commonly appear on the face of children.
- They may appear on the arms and upper body.
- Mild itching and dryness may occur in the affected areas.
- The white patches are more noticeable on darker skin.
Symptoms of vitiligo include:
- Loss of skin color, with the appearance of lighter, bordered patches on the skin.
- The skin becomes more sensitive to the sun.
- Change in the color of the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth and nose.
- This may cause tingling or itching.
- The inner layer of the retina may change color.
Causes of Pityriasis Alba
Possible causes of pityriasis alba include
- Dry skin.
- Sun exposure.
- Eczema.
- Excessive use of corticosteroid creams used to treat eczema.
- A genetic disorder that reduces skin pigmentation.
- Asthma may increase the risk of pityriasis alba.
What are the causes of vitiligo
Although the exact cause of vitiligo has not been determined, it has been determined that it is caused by an autoimmune disorder. There are several factors that increase the risk of vitiligo, including:
- Genetics.
- Exposure to a difficult psychological state.
- Melanocytes self-destruct.
- Nervous system dysfunction.
- Exposure to emotional trauma.
What is the difference between pityriasis alba and vitiligo
The main difference is that pityriasis alba is a common skin condition that affects children and usually appears as light patches with slight scaling. Vitiligo, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes the complete loss of pigment in skin cells, appearing as white patches with clearly defined borders.
How do I know the white patches are not vitiligo
Vitiligo patches are initially pale, gradually losing color and becoming completely white.
The white patches, on the other hand, are characterized by varying colors, with some patches appearing completely white and others dark or red.
Treatment of Pityriasis alba
Pityriasis alba usually does not require treatment because it often disappears on its own. However, healing can be accelerated and symptoms can be alleviated by:
Using moisturizing creams to reduce dryness, which increases the visibility of the patches.
Mild topical corticosteroid creams to reduce inflammation and itching.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus and pimecrolimus, can be used in conjunction with corticosteroids.
Effective Treatments for Pityriasis Alba
In some cases of pityriasis alba, the doctor may resort to:
- Light therapy, used in severe hyperpigmentation.
- Laser therapy in severe cases, used twice a week for up to 12 weeks.
- Aloe vera gel can be used to help moisturize and heal.
- Basil oil can be massaged into the affected area with turmeric powder, and the mixture can be used to wash the area.
Types of Vitiligo
There are several types of vitiligo, including:
- Mucosal vitiligo affects the mucous membranes in the mouth or sensitive areas.
- Segmental vitiligo affects a specific side of the body.
- Generalized vitiligo affects different areas of the body.
Is there a cure for vitiligo
There is no definitive cure for vitiligo, but some treatments can be used to help restore skin color or slow the progression of the condition. The doctor may prescribe some treatments, such as:
- Ultraviolet light therapy, which helps stop the development of active vitiligo.
- Treatment may require two to three sessions per week, and it may take several months for results to appear.
- Depigmentation to gradually lighten unaffected areas of skin.
- Skin grafting, which involves transferring a small portion of healthy skin to the affected areas.
- Corticosteroids, which help stop the spread of white spots and restore color.
- Calcineurin inhibitors, such as tacrolimus.
- Laser therapy.
Summary of the difference between pityriasis alba and vitiligo
The main difference is that pityriasis alba is a common skin condition that affects children and usually appears as light patches with slight scaling.
Vitiligo, on the other hand, is an autoimmune disease that causes the complete loss of pigment in skin cells, resulting in white patches with clear borders.