pityriasis alba [Gk, pityron, bran; L, albus, white] , a common idiopathic dermatosis characterized by round or oval finely scaling patches of hypopigmentation, usually on the cheeks. The lesions are sharply demarcated and occasionally pruritic and are found primarily in children and adolescents. The condition may recur, but spontaneous clearing is the usual prognosis. Treatment includes lubricating creams and topical corticosteroids. Compare pityriasis rosea.
