Which description best characterizes pityriasis alba?

• A. Bright red scaly plaques on trunk
• B. Round or oval; slightly elevated, fine scaling plaque that leave pale marks (hypopigmented) usually on face, neck and arms
• C. Ulcerative lesions on legs
• D. Dark hyperpigmented patches after sun exposure

Answer: (B)

Pityriasis alba presents as pale, fine-scaling patches that are usually seen on the face of children. The patches are typically round or oval and may be slightly raised from the fine scales, leaving lighter (hypopigmented) areas as they heal. This aligns exactly with the description: a round or oval, slightly elevated plaque with fine scaling that leaves pale marks, commonly on the face, neck, and arms. It’s common in children and in those with dry skin or atopy, and it tends to improve over time, sometimes becoming less noticeable with sun exposure as surrounding skin tan develops. The other descriptions don’t fit pityriasis alba: bright red scaly plaques on the trunk suggest another condition like eczema or psoriasis; ulcerative lesions on the legs point to ulcers; and dark hyperpigmented patches after sun exposure describe post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation or melasma, not pityriasis alba.