The possible relation between pityriasis alba and intestinal parasitic infestation among children in Tikrit city, a case control study

Abstract

Background: There is a solid belief stated that the appearance of hypopigmented patches on children face is a sign of their helminthic or parasitic intestinal infestation despite the constant health education about the absence of such relation. Pityriasis Alba (PA) is common benign skin lesion characterized by fine scaly hypopigmented patches (HP) or macules(1) mostly in the face and upper body parts.(2-4) PA may be atopic dermatitis related or endemic PA. PA occurs mostly in 3-16 years old children and accounts of 5% of pediatric population worldwide. Prevalence rate in Iraq is high (38.2%). No specific cause of PA has been identified. Diagnosis of PA depends on the clinical picture and treatment may implicate sunscreen and topical corticosteroids despite its self-limiting privilege. Helminthiasis (worm infestation) is the hosting of parasitic worms after invading humans and other animals necessarily to complete their lifecycle. Enterobius vermicularis is the most common helminthic intestinal infestation among children in Iraq. The main complaint of helminthiasis is the perianal itching, especially at bed time. The study aims to determine the relation of intestinal helminths with PA. Study Design: This prospective and a case-control study had consisted of 43 males (53.5%) and females (46.5%) children of 5-15 years of age presented with HP. Results and Discussion: 4 (9.3%) cases presented with Enterobius vermicularis given antihelminthic drugs and had their infestation eradicated completely after a week. 39 (90.7%) children presented with no infestation, regarded as control group, and so given placebo treatment. Number and size of HP varied after the 6 weeks of treatment. Although cases shown more numerous (6.0 ± 2.9) HP and larger size (120.0 ± 72.2) than control group (4.9 ± 3.6 and 90.0 ± 58.3 respectively), but the difference was not significant for both groups (cases and control) and between them for both HP number and sizes (p>0.6). Conclusion: There is no enough prove of the relationship between children intestinal parasitic infestation and the appearance of hypopigmented patches.