What causes pityriasis alba: gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, or gluten sensitivity, and is there a connection between eczema (atopic dermatitis) and leaky gut?

From the Guidelines

Pityriasis alba is primarily caused by skin inflammation and dryness, not directly by gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, or gluten sensitivity. While eczema can be associated with gut health issues, pityriasis alba is a distinct condition.

Causes of Pityriasis Alba

• The exact cause of pityriasis alba is not fully understood, but it is linked to skin dryness and inflammation rather than internal factors like gut health or food sensitivities 1.
• It is believed to be a mild form of eczema, characterized by dry, pale patches on the skin, usually on the face 1.
• Pityriasis alba is more common in children and young adults with darker skin tones.

Connection between Eczema and Leaky Gut

• There is no clear evidence to suggest a direct connection between eczema (atopic dermatitis) and leaky gut 1.
• However, some studies suggest that gut health can influence overall skin health, and that addressing gut health issues may be beneficial for some individuals with eczema 1.

Management of Pityriasis Alba

• To manage pityriasis alba, it is recommended to:
  1. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer daily.
  2. Apply a mild topical corticosteroid cream (e.g., hydrocortisone 1%) twice daily for 1-2 weeks if inflammation is present.
  3. Protect the skin from sun exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30+).
  4. Avoid harsh soaps and hot showers, which can dry out the skin.
• The condition typically resolves on its own within several months to a year with proper skin care 1.

From the Research

Causes of Pityriasis Alba

• The exact cause of pityriasis alba is unknown, but possible reported triggering factors include sunlight, beauty treatments, and microorganisms, among others 2.
• Atopy, xerosis, and mineral deficiencies are potential risk factors for pityriasis alba 3.
• Poor cutaneous hydration appears to be a common theme for most risk factors and may help elucidate the pathogenesis of this disorder 3.
• There is no evidence to suggest that gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, or gluten sensitivity are direct causes of pityriasis alba.

Connection between Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis) and Leaky Gut

• There is no direct evidence in the provided studies to suggest a connection between eczema (atopic dermatitis) and leaky gut.
• However, pityriasis alba often coexists with atopic dermatitis and is considered one of its milder forms 4, 2.
• Atopic dermatitis is associated with xerosis, which is also a risk factor for pityriasis alba 4, 3.

Relationship between Pityriasis Alba and Atopic Dermatitis

• Pityriasis alba is a skin disorder that may be isolated or associated with atopic dermatitis, representing sometimes an atypical manifestation of atopic dermatitis during the long-term follow-up of the disease 4.
• Pityriasis alba is considered one of the minor signs of atopic dermatitis according to Hanifin and Rajka criteria 4.
• The treatment of atopic dermatitis associated with pityriasis alba has been shown to be effective with topical creams such as AR-GG27® (sorbityl furfural palmitate) 4.