From the Guidelines
To treat pityriasis alba without pharmaceuticals, focus on moisturizing and protecting the skin, as this approach has been shown to be effective in managing the condition and improving quality of life. The most recent and highest quality study 1 supports the use of topical therapies and alternative medicine modalities for managing skin conditions, which can be applied to pityriasis alba. Some key non-pharmaceutical treatments for pityriasis alba include:
- Applying a thick, fragrance-free moisturizer at least twice daily, especially after bathing, to help restore the skin barrier and reduce inflammation 1
- Using a gentle, non-soap cleanser when washing the affected areas to avoid further drying the skin 1
- Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily to protect the skin and prevent further discoloration 1
- Considering the use of natural oils like coconut oil or jojoba oil as moisturizers, which can help improve skin hydration 1
- Avoiding hot showers and excessive sun exposure, as these can worsen dryness and discoloration 1
- Maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E to support skin health 1 These methods work by addressing the underlying dry skin condition that contributes to pityriasis alba, and can be effective in managing the condition without pharmaceutical intervention. It is essential to note that while these treatments may take several weeks to show improvement, they are generally safe and can improve the quality of life for individuals with pityriasis alba. Additionally, taking steps to avoid dryness of the skin, using skin moisturizers, and applying water-soluble sodium cromolyn cream can also be beneficial in managing the condition, as suggested by the study 1. Overall, a comprehensive approach that incorporates moisturizing, sun protection, and healthy lifestyle habits can help manage pityriasis alba and improve outcomes.
From the Research
Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments for Pityriasis Alba
- Patient education on proper skin care and hygiene can play a crucial role in promoting remission or resolution of Pityriasis Alba 2
- Use of lubricants and emollients can help alleviate the condition by improving cutaneous hydration 2
- Topical corticosteroid therapy can be used in the presence of inflammation 2
- Novel administration of topical anti-inflammatory drugs such as calcineurin inhibitors can also be effective 2, 3
- Avoiding sun exposure can help reduce the contrast between normal and lesional skin, making lesions less visible 2
- Keeping the skin moisturized can help reduce the appearance of hypopigmented patches 2, 4
Specific Treatments
- A cream containing AR-GG27® (sorbityl furfural palmitate) has been shown to be effective in the treatment of mild/moderate childhood atopic dermatitis associated with Pityriasis Alba 4
- Calcitriol and tacrolimus ointments have been found to induce similar repigmentation in endemic Pityriasis Alba lesions 3
- A combination of coal tar, diiodohydroxyquinolin, and hydrocortisone has been used to treat Pityriasis Alba, with acceptable results 5