From the Guidelines
The best natural treatment for Pityriasis Alba is to take steps to avoid dryness of skin and use a skin moisturizer, as recommended by the NCCN clinical practice guidelines in oncology 1. To manage Pityriasis Alba, it is essential to prioritize skin hydration and moisturization.
- Apply a skin moisturizer regularly to keep the skin hydrated and reduce dryness.
- Avoid harsh soaps and cleansers that can strip the skin of its natural oils, and instead opt for gentle, fragrance-free products.
- Consider using a water-soluble sodium cromolyn cream, which can help with pruritus and skin irritation, although this may not be entirely natural, it is a recommended treatment option 1. In addition to these measures, maintaining good skin care habits, such as avoiding excessive sun exposure and using sunscreen, can help alleviate symptoms and prevent worsening of the condition.
- Drink plenty of water to keep the skin hydrated from the inside out.
- Avoid scratching or rubbing the affected areas, as this can lead to further irritation and dryness. While other natural treatments like coconut oil may have moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, the most recent and highest quality study available 1 emphasizes the importance of avoiding dryness and using a skin moisturizer, making this the recommended approach for managing Pityriasis Alba.
From the Research
Natural Treatments for Pityriasis Alba
There are no direct research papers on the natural treatments for Pityriasis Alba. However, some studies suggest the following natural treatments may be effective for similar skin conditions:
- Aloe vera: Studies have shown that aloe vera can be effective in treating various skin conditions, including psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and wound healing 2, 3.
- Honey, olive oil, and beeswax mixture: A study found that a mixture of honey, olive oil, and beeswax was effective in treating pityriasis versicolor, tinea cruris, and tinea corporis 4.
- Essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus: A study found that the essential oil of Cymbopogon citratus had antifungal effects and was effective in treating pityriasis versicolor 5.
Limitations
It is essential to note that these studies were not specifically conducted on Pityriasis Alba, and more research is needed to confirm the effectiveness of these natural treatments for this condition. Additionally, the studies had limitations, such as small sample sizes and short treatment durations.
Potential Uses of Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has been used for various medicinal and cosmetic purposes, including:
- Skincare products: Aloe vera is commonly used in moisturizing compositions, hair care products, and wound healing treatments 2, 6.
- Oral care: Aloe vera has been used in oral care compositions and as an anti-inflammatory agent 6.
- Anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compositions: Aloe vera has been used in anti-inflammatory and antibiotic compositions, although more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness 6.