Pityriasis Alba vs Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation

A mild eczema pattern leaving pale, slightly dry patches, usually in children. Lighter skin remaining after inflammation or injury.

Research updated 2026-10-23

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

3 to 16

Any age

Where

Cheeks, chin, upper arms

Where skin was inflamed

Main sign

Pale, slightly dry patches

Flat lighter patch

Itch or pain

Mild itch at most

Neither

Contagious

Long term

Fades over months

Usually returns over months

Scars

Who gets it

Children; eczema-prone skin

Darker skin tones most

What is it?

Pityriasis Alba

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation

What is it?

What it is
A mild eczema pattern leaving pale, slightly dry patches, usually in children.

What it is
Lighter skin remaining after inflammation or injury.

What it looks like

Pityriasis Alba

A skin model showing three pale patches with indistinct edges.

Pityriasis Alba Several lighter patches blend gradually into the surrounding skin.

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation

An outstretched forearm with three irregular pale patches.

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation Several lighter areas have irregular outlines against the surrounding skin.

Skin tones

Several softly outlined lighter patches on a forearm.

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation on brown skin.

In the skin

Mild skin inflammation temporarily reduces visible pigment in affected patches. The lighter areas can remain visible after the irritation has settled.

Inflammation reduces pigment production or transfer in affected skin. Color may return as the skin recovers, while deeper injury or scarring can cause more lasting pigment loss.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Pityriasis Alba. Most often noticed in childhood or adolescence.

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation. Timing depends on the underlying cause and exposure.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Mild inflammation temporarily reduces visible pigment.

Inflammation temporarily alters pigment production; deeper injury or scarring can cause lasting loss.

Risk factors

Dry skin, Eczema tendency

Previous dermatitis, Skin injury, Procedures

Trigger

● Pityriasis Alba

● Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation

Dryness

Can contribute

Not listed

Sun tanning increases contrast

Can contribute

Not listed

Repeated inflammation

Not listed

Can contribute

Skin injury

Not listed

Can contribute

Daily Care

Pityriasis Alba

Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation

Daily care

Habits that help

Moisturize dry patches regularly
A plain fragrance-free cream can reduce scaling and dryness.
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin
Reducing tanning of surrounding skin makes the pale patches less noticeable.
Wash with lukewarm water and a gentle cleanser
Avoid stripping dry or eczema-prone skin.
Give the color time to recover
Confirmed pityriasis alba often fades slowly; normal color may take months to return.

Avoid

Avoid: Scrubbing or bleaching the pale patches
These methods do not restore pigment and can cause further irritation.

Habits that help

Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher on exposed skin
Shade and protective clothing help limit additional color contrast from tanning.
Keep cleansing gentle and moisturize regularly
A healthy barrier reduces dryness and irritation that can make tone look uneven.
Give healing marks time and compare occasional photographs
Color recovery may take months; take pictures under similar lighting.
Address the cause of ongoing inflammation
Persistent eczema, acne or infection can continue to create pigment changes.
Allow pale areas to recover after the original rash settles
Moisturizer supports comfort; it does not reliably restore pigment lost through scarring.

Avoid

Avoid: Scrubbing, bleaching or strong home peels
Irritation can leave darker or lighter marks, especially on pigment-prone skin.
Avoid: Treating an unexplained changing patch without a diagnosis
Pigment changes have several causes and may need examination before treatment.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Pityriasis Alba

● Post-Inflammatory Hypopigmentation

Prescription topicals

Mild anti-inflammatory treatment

Listed

An itchy inflamed patch may benefit from a brief clinician-advised low-potency treatment.

None listed

Procedures

None listed

Treat the underlying inflammation

Listed

Control active dermatitis or infection after diagnosis; many resulting pale patches gradually improve.

Outlook

Long term

The patches usually recover their normal color gradually over months, sometimes taking a few years. Dryness may improve before the color difference disappears; the patches do not usually scar.

Some lighter patches regain color gradually after the underlying inflammation settles. Recovery may take months and is not always complete; persistent or expanding patches need confirmation of the cause.