Pityriasis alba is a skin condition, a type of dermatitis,[1] commonly seen in children and young adults as dry, fine-scaled, pale patches on the face.

[2] The condition is so named for the fine scaly appearance initially present (pityriasis), and alba (Latin for white) refers to the pallor of the patches that develop.

[1] During the summer, tanning of the surrounding normal skin makes the pale patches of pityriasis alba more prominent.

They most commonly occur on the face (cheeks), but in 20% appear also on the upper arms, neck, or shoulders.

[4] Any dermatitis may heal leaving pale skin, as may excessive use of corticosteroid creams used to treat episodes of eczema.

[7] The redness, scale and itch if present may be managed with simple emollients and sometimes hydrocortisone, a weak steroid, is also used.

[18] In 1963, one school health clinic reported features of pityriasis alba in two fifths of their children.