During and after the summer season, we get lots of questions from parents about white patches appearing on their kids\u2019 cheeks. Of course, without seeing your child\u2019s skin, I can\u2019t tell you for sure what they are \u2013 you\u2019ll need to reach out to your pediatrician for that. But in most cases, they\u2019re what\u2019s called pityriasis alba.<\/p>\n
These usually appear on the cheeks, but can also show up on the neck, upper arms, or other parts of the upper body. It\u2019s most common in young children, and it doesn\u2019t make them sick in any way.<\/p>\n
At first, these patches can look slightly pink. Later, they fade to be lighter than the skin around them. They may be more noticeable in children with darker skin, and in kids of any skin tone after a summer of sun exposure.<\/p>\n
Usually, these patches occur in areas where the skin is prone to dryness, and they\u2019re more commonly seen on kids who have eczema<\/a>. The exact cause is unknown. One theory is that as areas of dry skin exfoliate or shed, paler patches of new skin are exposed.<\/p>\n Pityriasis alba isn\u2019t harmful, and it usually goes away without treatment. But here are a few things that will help the patches even out more quickly:<\/p>\n If your child has areas that look red:<\/p>\n It may take a few months or longer for your child’s skin color to return to normal, but it will.<\/p>\n If you see pale, dry, or red areas on your child\u2019s face or upper body that might be pityriasis alba, we recommend you email clear photos to their pediatrician or make an appointment to confirm the diagnosis.<\/p>\n Pityriasis Alba<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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Resources for Parents<\/h4>\n
National Library of Medicine<\/h4>\n
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology<\/h4>\n