Does your child have white spots on their skin? This is the reason

Have you noticed white spots on your little one’s skin? These may be located mainly in your face and arms.

If so, continue reading.

The real cause

The pityriasis alba, commonly known as jiotes, are white spots that appear mainly on your little one’s face and arms. It is one of the most common dermatoses, doctors report.

It was previously thought that they were associated with poor diet, but it is a myth.

The real cause is the decrease in pigment (melanin) in the skin, due to several factors. For example, it may be due to prolonged sun exposure, dry skin, or poor hygiene habits.

Pityriasis alba

The pityriasis alba It is a common skin condition that is most frequently seen in children and young people. It is characterized by the appearance of pale or white spots on the skin, especially in sun-exposed areas such as the face, arms and neck. Although it is not a serious or contagious condition, can cause aesthetic concern for those who suffer from it. Below, I give you information about how pityriasis alba is cured, how it is spread, and how you can prevent pityriasis alba in children:

Healing: Pityriasis alba is usually a temporary condition that goes away on its own over time, usually within a few months or years. It does not require specific treatment. However, it is important to maintain a good skin care routine to improve the appearance of spots and speed recovery. It is recommended to keep your skin hydrated with moisturizing creams or lotions, avoid excessive sun exposure, and use broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Contagion: Pityriasis alba is not a contagious disease. It is not transmitted from one person to another through direct contact, saliva, breathing or any other means of infection. The exact cause of this condition is not known with certainty, but it is believed to be related to genetic, immunological and environmental factors.
Prevention: Although there is no definitive way to prevent pityriasis alba, there are steps that can be taken to reduce its occurrence and minimize its impact on children’s skin. Some recommendations include:
Solar protection: It is essential to protect children’s skin from excessive sun exposure. It is recommended to wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long-sleeved shirts, as well as apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with a factor of sun protection (SPF) appropriate.
Skin hydration: Keeping your child’s skin adequately hydrated can help prevent the appearance and worsening of pityriasis alba spots. Use moisturizing creams or lotions regularly, especially after bathing.
Avoid irritants: Some chemicals or detergents can cause skin irritation and worsen the condition. It is recommended to avoid the use of aggressive products and opt for gentle and specific products for sensitive skin.

If the pityriasis alba persists or causes significant discomfort, it is important to consult a dermatologist to obtain an accurate diagnosis and receive personalized treatment recommendations. But if you detect that your child has them, it is important that you go to a dermatologist and take the following care into account:

1. Apply sunscreen daily, which is greater than 30 SPF.
2. Do not scrub his skin during the bath and rinse him with warm water, instead of hot, so as not to dry him out.
3. Slather on moisturizer after showering.