Pityriasis alba is a mild childhood eczematous disorder occurs most often in black children and children of Hispanic or Asian origin, presenting as oval pink, slightly scaly patches usually evident on the face, neck, and trunk.

Associated with atopic dermatitis, the disease is usually self-limiting.

Reduced numbers of active melanocytes and a decrease in number and size of melanosomes are seen in affected skin for unknown reasons.

Tar emulsions stimulate melanogenesis, thereby minimizing the contrast between light and dark skin. Likewise, topical steroids, topical Porsalen Photo chemotherapy Ultraviolet A (PUVA), and oral PUVA may be beneficial. Currently, topical steroid alternatives such as pimecrolimus or tacrolimus that work via the calcineurin pathway are used off label for treatment of severe disease. Controlled trials have yet to prove the effectiveness of these agents.