pityriasis alba; vitiligo; pigment mosaicism

Common Pigmentation Problems in Children and Adolescents - Treatments

PITYRIASIS ALBA

Treatment includes frequent use of moisturisers, and application of mild topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors (eg. Elidel or Protopic) once or twice daily.

Sun protection with the use of sunscreens (SPF 30 or more) can prevent worsening of the condition.

VITILIGO:

Treatment options for children with vitiligo include:

Topical therapies (topical corticosteroids or topical calcineurin inhibitors eg. Elidel or Protopic)
Phototherapy (narrow band UVB, topical PUVA or Excimer laser)
Oral treatments (e.g. corticosteroids) may be attempted in patients with progressive disease
Surgical treatment (eg. grafting) may be used for adolescents with stable lesions that do not respond to traditional treatments.
Cosmetic camouflage (eg. Dermablend or Covermark) can be used to hide lesions of vitiligo
In patients with extensive vitiligo that have failed treatment, permanent depigmentation of normal skin may be considered.

PIGMENT MOSAICISM:

There is currently no treatment for this condition, although the condition may improve with time. Camouflage make-up may be recommended if the condition is cosmetically unacceptable to the patient.

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