The most concerning concerns from people in India and the Indian subcontinent are those involving white or pale lesions of skin illnesses. Clinically similar diseases frequently seen in children include vitiligo, pityriasis alba (PA), and polymorphic light eruption (PLE). Worry not; dermatologist Dr Vidushi Jain, Medical Head of Dermalinks, explains the causes and treatments to protect your skin during the summertime.
- A skin disorder called Pityriasis Alba, which typically affects children’s faces, is frequent. Although it has been suggested that atopic dermatitis is the source of pityriasis alba, its exact cause is uncertain. In addition to being red, pink, or white in colour, the lesions might be circular, oval, or irregular in shape. Usually, on the face and arms, many patches may be seen at once. From a few months to over a year, the rash’s length can vary. Multiple lesions may occur.
- The lesions are obvious on those with darker skin. Patients with lighter skin will notice the rash more frequently during the summer months as their skin tans. Young children are most often affected but pityriasis alba tends to go away with time. The loss of pigment here unlike vitiligo is not permanent and recovers with time.
Cure – Pityriasis alba can sometimes resolve on its own without the need for medication. To keep moisture in the skin, a moisturiser cream or lotion may be advised. To minimise inflammation and discomfort, a low-dose topical corticosteroid may also be recommended.
- The polymorphic light eruption is a typical post-inflammatory syndrome that most frequently affects parts of the body that are exposed to light, such as the forearms and nape of the neck. When it resolves, the skin may appear a little white in the spots. The patches are unstructured, lack distinct edges, and have very light brown colouring. It is a postponed hypersensitive reaction to UV radiation and occasionally to visible light as well.
Cure – They come back every summer, and using steroid creams for a prolonged period of time to reduce the redness can sometimes leave skin with white blotches.
- Vitiligo is primarily distinguished from congenital skin lesions by acquired, well-defined, depigmented small to large patches on the skin, the wet areas like the mouth, genitals, and/or white hair. Numerous autoimmune illnesses are usually linked to it. The most frequent connection among kids is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
It has an incidence rate of 0.1 per cent to 2 per cent and occurs everywhere. The quality of life for those who suffer from vitiligo is significantly impacted by this serious skin condition. Although the exact causes of this syndrome are unknown, it appears that genetic, immunological, and neurological factors interact to cause it.
Cure – The vitiligo therapy includes educating and reassuring young patients and their parents about the disease, thyroid testing, avoiding trigger factors, topical medication, and proper follow-up. By using self-tanning dyes and camouflage gear, one can improve their appearance. Although unpredictable, vitiligo frequently progresses over time. Children tend to have spontaneous repigmentation the most (10–20 per cent), however, it usually only affects parts of the skin that are exposed to the sun.
