Light spots

[ZTW]

My 3 year old son has some light spots that has recently come in his face and they are getting lighter.  His peditrician recommend using olay for sensitive skin.  I contacted olay and they said their products had not been tested for children and said should see a dermatologist first.  Any suggestions?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pityriasis alba. Pityriasis alba is a common hypopigmented dermatitis.This is a self-limited disorder that usually resolves by adulthood. Severe cases may benefit by Psoralen plus ultraviolet light A photochemotherapy (PUVA).

I sincerely advise you to consult a dermatologist and get it ruled out. It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Vampyreluvr]

My son also had some light patches come up on him not too long ago.  The doctor said it was just a rash caused by a virus and that it is nothing to be concerned about.  He had it for over a month.  Does your son itch at it and what nationality is your child?  My doc at first thought he had pitarious rosea  which is common in african americans.  I was shocked since my son is caucasion so I asked for second opinion.  Thats when he said it looks like all the other rashes that he sees after kids get a cold or the flu or allergies.  HTH!