Can you identify this hypopigmented patch

DAVID L. KAPLAN, MD—Series Editor
University of Missouri Kansas City, University of Kansas

Dr Kaplan is clinical assistant professor of dermatology at the University of Missouri Kansas City School of Medicine and at the University of Kansas School of Medicine. He practices adult and pediatric dermatology in Overland Park, Kan.

Volume 51 - Issue 9 - September 2011


This asymptomatic, light-colored patch appeared on a 16-year-old girl’s upper arm 1 month ago. For the past week, she has applied a topical antifungal cream, but the lesion remains unchanged.

Do you recognize this patch?

A. Vitiligo.
B. Postinflammatory hypopigmentation.
C. Inadequately treated tinea corporis.
D. Pityriasis alba.
E. Psoriasis.





(Answer on next page.)

Answer: Pityriasis alba

This lesion is pityriasis alba, D. The patient has a history of seasonal allergies. Swimming caused
low-grade eczema, which interfered with the cells’ ability to pigment normally. The hypopigmentation is accentuated by exposure to the sun because the affected area does not tan.

Dermatophyte infections—as well as psoriasis with its accompanying nail changes—present with more inflammation and scale and have well-defined borders. Vitiligo features depigmentation, not hypopigmentation. The absence of trauma ruled out postinflammatory hypopigmentation.