DERM CASE

[lucianonb]

A 9-year-old boy presents to the ED with an asthma exacerbation. He has approximately 10 patches of hypopigmentation with fine, white flaking skin. The patches are asymptomatic and localized to the face. Which of the following statements is true?

A) A potassium hydroxide preparation will allow the physician to make the diagnosis.
B) These lesions are associated with seizures in some patients.
C) The described condition is most likely to be apparent during periods of minimal sun exposure.
D) The described condition typically is associated with arthritis.
E) The described condition generally is self-limited and resolves without any therapy.

[Anonymous]

i think its a b/c some kind of fungus

[lucianonb]

The answer is E)
Pityriasis alba is a common hypopigmented dermatitis that occurs primarily in school-aged children. The diagnosis is made clinically, and the treatment of this self-limited disorder is often unrewarding.
Physical:

A flaky, hypopigmented, patchy dermatitis with fine scales involving the face and, at times, the neck and shoulders typically is found.
There can be numerous (up to 20 or more) hypopigmented macules, which are ill defined and range in size from 1-4 cm.
A minority of patients have erythema and pruritus that may occur prior to the appearance of the lesions.
A subgroup of patients has associated atopy, in which stigmata of that disorder may be found.