What are the common causes of white skin patches?

White patches on the skin are a common problem among adolescents. Common causes are:

• Pityriasis alba:
  • The cause is unknown
  • Commonly seen in children and adolescents with dry skin
• Pityriasis versicolor (‘panau’) :
  • The cause is unknown
  • A superficial skin infection caused by overgrowth of the fungus called pityrosporum orbicular
  • Commonly seen in adolescents who sweat profusely
  • This infection recurs easily

There are other causes of white patches. If you want to know more, consult your doctor.

How do these conditions show up?

Pityriasis alba:

• Patches commonly seen on the face especially on the cheeks
• It also occurs on the neck, upper limbs and trunk
• Scales are fine and adherent

Pityriasis versicolor:

• Patches commonly seen on the upper part of the back and on the chest
• It might change in colour to black or red patches
• Often merges together into big blotches
• It may be associated with itchiness

How can one treat these conditions?

Pityriasis alba

• Usually no treatment needed because eventually the patches will disappear
• Use moisturizers
• Your doctor might give you a mild topical steroid to apply

Pityriasis versicolor :

• Apply selenium sulphide shampoo to the entire body and rinse off after 30 minutes every day for a week
• You can also apply ketoconazole shampoo for 5 minutes once a day for 5 days
• Your doctor might give you antifungal drugs if the condition is severe

How can one prevent recurrence?

Pityriasis versicolor:

• You can use selenium sulphide shampoo or ketonazole shampoo weekly to prevent recurrence