Skin & Rashes

Pityriasis Alba (Light Patches on Face)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician

Content reviewed against published AAD, AAP, NIH guidelines

Editorial policy

Last reviewed:

Baby skin is sensitive and changes frequently. If you are noticing pityriasis alba (light patches on face), here is what you need to know.

The short answer

Pityriasis alba is a very common, harmless condition that causes slightly lighter, faintly scaly patches, most often on the cheeks of children. It is more noticeable in darker skin tones and after sun exposure. It is related to mild eczema and dry skin. The patches fade on their own over months and are not contagious. Regular moisturizing helps.

Key takeaways

  • Pityriasis alba is a very common, harmless condition that causes slightly lighter, faintly scaly patches, most often on the cheeks of children. It is more noticeable in darker skin tones and after sun exposure. It is related to mild eczema and dry skin. The patches fade on their own over months and are not contagious. Regular moisturizing helps.
  • Usually normal when: Slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema
  • Call your doctor if: Completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo
  • Varies by age — see the age-by-age breakdown below
“Eczema is very common in babies and children. About 1 in 10 children will develop eczema, typically starting in the first few months of life.”
— Eczema in Babies and Children, American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

This is one of the most common questions parents ask. Searching for answers means you care.

What Parents Should Know

According to AAD, AAP, NIH guidelines, pityriasis alba is a very common, harmless condition that causes slightly lighter, faintly scaly patches, most often on the cheeks of children. It is more noticeable in darker skin tones and after sun exposure. It is related to mild eczema and dry skin. The patches fade on their own over months and are not contagious. Regular moisturizing helps. At 0-3 months, pityriasis alba is uncommon at this age. Light patches on a newborn should be evaluated to rule out other causes like ash leaf spots (which can be associated with tuberous sclerosis). Your pediatrician can help distinguish between different causes of light patches in young infants. It is generally considered normal when slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo.

Sources: [1], [2], [3]

Normal vs. Concerning

Usually Normal
Worth Discussing
Slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema
Completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo
Patches that are more visible in summer when surrounding skin is tanned
Light patches in a young infant that should be evaluated to rule out tuberous sclerosis
Gradual improvement with regular moisturizing
You want to confirm that the light patches are pityriasis alba

By Age

What to expect by age

0-3 months

Pityriasis alba is uncommon at this age. Light patches on a newborn should be evaluated to rule out other causes like ash leaf spots (which can be associated with tuberous sclerosis). Your pediatrician can help distinguish between different causes of light patches in young infants.

3-6 months

Pityriasis alba may begin to appear. The patches are typically round or oval, slightly lighter than the surrounding skin, and may have fine scaling. They are most common on the face but can also appear on the arms and trunk. Gentle moisturizing is the main treatment.

6-12 months

Patches may become more noticeable after sun exposure because the surrounding skin tans while the pityriasis alba patches do not. This is purely cosmetic and not harmful. Sunscreen use helps make the patches less noticeable by preventing the surrounding skin from tanning more.

12-24 months

Pityriasis alba is very common in toddlers, especially those with a history of dry skin or eczema. The patches may persist for months to years but always resolve eventually. No bleaching or lightening treatments are needed or appropriate. Consistent moisturizing and mild steroid cream if prescribed by your doctor can help the patches fade.

What to Tell Your Pediatrician

  • Describe when you first noticed pityriasis alba (light patches on face) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you want to confirm that the light patches are pityriasis alba.
  • Mention if patches are spreading, becoming completely white, or showing no signs of improvement after months.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

What Should You Do?

When to take action

Probably normal when...
  • Slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema
  • Patches that are more visible in summer when surrounding skin is tanned
  • Gradual improvement with regular moisturizing
Mention at your next visit when...
  • You want to confirm that the light patches are pityriasis alba
  • Patches are spreading, becoming completely white, or showing no signs of improvement after months
  • You are concerned the patches could be vitiligo
Act now when...
  • Completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo
  • Light patches in a young infant that should be evaluated to rule out tuberous sclerosis

What You Can Do at Home

  • Keep track of when you notice pityriasis alba (light patches on face) — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
  • Remember that slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema — this is generally within the range of normal.
  • At 0-3 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
  • Use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic products on your baby's skin. Avoid over-bathing — 2-3 baths per week is usually sufficient.
  • While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo.

White Patches on Baby's Skin

White or lighter patches on a baby's skin are usually caused by common, harmless conditions. Pityriasis alba is the most frequent cause in children - it creates slightly scaly, pale patches, especially on the cheeks and arms, and is related to dry skin and mild eczema. Vitiligo (true loss of pigment) is rarer in babies but possible. Tinea versicolor is a harmless fungal condition that creates lighter patches. Most white patches in children are not concerning, but a dermatology evaluation can provide a clear diagnosis.

Vitiligo Signs in Baby

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes well-defined white patches where the skin loses its pigment. It can occur at any age, including in babies. While it is not painful or dangerous, it can be emotionally significant. Early evaluation and treatment may help manage the condition. Other causes of white patches, like pityriasis alba and tinea versicolor, are more common and less concerning.

Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Baby eczema is extremely common, affecting up to 20% of infants, and is not caused by anything you did wrong. It shows up as dry, red, itchy patches and is very manageable with consistent moisturizing and gentle skin care. Most children outgrow it by school age.

Baby Dry Skin & Peeling Skin

Dry and peeling skin in newborns is completely normal, especially in the first few weeks after birth. Your baby spent nine months floating in amniotic fluid, so some peeling as they adjust to the outside world is expected. Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers applied after baths are usually all that is needed.

Guide

Baby Skin Conditions Guide

Visual guide to common baby skin conditions, rashes, and when to see a doctor.

Milestone

Month-by-Month Development

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Guide

When to Call the Doctor

General guide on when to call the pediatrician, visit urgent care, or go to the ER.

Frequently asked questions

Is pityriasis alba (light patches on face) normal?
Pityriasis alba is a very common, harmless condition that causes slightly lighter, faintly scaly patches, most often on the cheeks of children. It is more noticeable in darker skin tones and after sun exposure. It is related to mild eczema and dry skin. The patches fade on their own over months and are not contagious. Regular moisturizing helps.
When should I call the doctor about pityriasis alba (light patches on face)?
Completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo Light patches in a young infant that should be evaluated to rule out tuberous sclerosis
When is pityriasis alba (light patches on face) normal?
Slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema Patches that are more visible in summer when surrounding skin is tanned Gradual improvement with regular moisturizing
What causes pityriasis alba (light patches on face)?
Pityriasis alba is a very common, harmless condition that causes slightly lighter, faintly scaly patches, most often on the cheeks of children. It is more noticeable in darker skin tones and after sun exposure. It is related to mild eczema and dry skin. The patches fade on their own over months and are not contagious. Regular moisturizing helps. Common explanations include: Slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema. Patches that are more visible in summer when surrounding skin is tanned.
What should I mention to my pediatrician about pityriasis alba (light patches on face)?
You should mention pityriasis alba (light patches on face) at your next visit if: You want to confirm that the light patches are pityriasis alba. Patches are spreading, becoming completely white, or showing no signs of improvement after months. You are concerned the patches could be vitiligo.
Is pityriasis alba (light patches on face) normal at 0-3 months?
Pityriasis alba is uncommon at this age. Light patches on a newborn should be evaluated to rule out other causes like ash leaf spots (which can be associated with tuberous sclerosis). Your pediatrician can help distinguish between different causes of light patches in young infants.
Is pityriasis alba (light patches on face) normal at 3-6 months?
Pityriasis alba may begin to appear. The patches are typically round or oval, slightly lighter than the surrounding skin, and may have fine scaling. They are most common on the face but can also appear on the arms and trunk. Gentle moisturizing is the main treatment.
Should I go to the ER for pityriasis alba (light patches on face)?
Seek emergency care if completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo, or if light patches in a young infant that should be evaluated to rule out tuberous sclerosis. When in doubt, call your pediatrician's after-hours line for guidance.
Does pityriasis alba (light patches on face) go away on its own?
In many cases, pityriasis alba (light patches on face) resolves on its own, especially when slightly lighter, faintly scaly round patches on the cheeks of a child with a history of dry skin or eczema. By 12-24 months, pityriasis alba is very common in toddlers, especially those with a history of dry skin or eczema. The patches may persist for months to years but always resolve eventually. No bleaching or lightening treatments are needed or appropriate. Consistent moisturizing and mild steroid cream if prescribed by your doctor can help the patches fade.
AADAAPNIH

References

  1. [1]American Academy of Dermatology. Pityriasis Alba. AAD
  2. [2]American Academy of Pediatrics. Skin Conditions. HealthyChildren.org. AAP
  3. [3]National Library of Medicine. Pityriasis Alba. StatPearls. NIH

Doctor Visit Checklist

Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Pityriasis Alba (Light Patches on Face).

Things to mention

  • Describe when you first noticed pityriasis alba (light patches on face) and how it has changed over time.
  • Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
  • Mention if you want to confirm that the light patches are pityriasis alba.
  • Mention if patches are spreading, becoming completely white, or showing no signs of improvement after months.
  • Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
  • Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.

Observations to share

  • You want to confirm that the light patches are pityriasis alba
  • Patches are spreading, becoming completely white, or showing no signs of improvement after months
  • You are concerned the patches could be vitiligo

Urgent signs to report immediately

  • Completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo
  • Light patches in a young infant that should be evaluated to rule out tuberous sclerosis

My notes

From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides

All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.

2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members

Related Resources

Baby Skin Conditions GuideBaby Tracker

Bottom line

Most cases of pityriasis alba (light patches on face) are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if completely white (not just lighter) well-defined patches that could indicate vitiligo.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.

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Related Skin Concerns

White Patches on Baby's Skin

White or lighter patches on a baby's skin are usually caused by common, harmless conditions. Pityriasis alba is the most frequent cause in children - it creates slightly scaly, pale patches, especially on the cheeks and arms, and is related to dry skin and mild eczema. Vitiligo (true loss of pigment) is rarer in babies but possible. Tinea versicolor is a harmless fungal condition that creates lighter patches. Most white patches in children are not concerning, but a dermatology evaluation can provide a clear diagnosis.

Vitiligo Signs in Baby

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition that causes well-defined white patches where the skin loses its pigment. It can occur at any age, including in babies. While it is not painful or dangerous, it can be emotionally significant. Early evaluation and treatment may help manage the condition. Other causes of white patches, like pityriasis alba and tinea versicolor, are more common and less concerning.

Baby Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Baby eczema is extremely common, affecting up to 20% of infants, and is not caused by anything you did wrong. It shows up as dry, red, itchy patches and is very manageable with consistent moisturizing and gentle skin care. Most children outgrow it by school age.

Baby Dry Skin & Peeling Skin

Dry and peeling skin in newborns is completely normal, especially in the first few weeks after birth. Your baby spent nine months floating in amniotic fluid, so some peeling as they adjust to the outside world is expected. Gentle, fragrance-free moisturizers applied after baths are usually all that is needed.

My Baby Has an Extra Nipple (Accessory Nipple)

Accessory (supernumerary) nipples are one of the most common minor congenital findings, occurring in about 1 in 18 people. They appear as small, flat, often pigmented bumps along the "milk line" — an embryonic line running from the armpit to the groin on each side. Most people mistake them for moles. Accessory nipples are almost always harmless and require no treatment. In rare cases, they may be associated with kidney abnormalities, so some pediatricians recommend a renal ultrasound if one is found, though this practice varies.

My Baby Was Born with a Raw Spot on Their Scalp (Aplasia Cutis)

Aplasia cutis congenita (ACC) is a condition where a baby is born with a small area of missing skin, most commonly on the scalp. It occurs in about 1 in 10,000 births. The affected area may look like a raw wound, an ulcer, or may have already healed into a thin, shiny scar by the time of birth. Most cases are small, isolated, and heal well with basic wound care — the area eventually forms a hairless scar. Larger defects or those associated with other findings may need more investigation, but isolated small ACC has an excellent prognosis.