Pityriasis alba: Possible associations with intestinal helminths and pathogenic protozoa

Abstract

Background: The aetiology of pityriasis alba (PA) remains uncertain, and children are at risk for PA and intestinal parasites. Aim: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites in PA patients and to evaluate their possible role in PA pathogenesis. Methods: Overall, 180 PA patients and 100 healthy individuals were enrolled. Intestinal parasites were diagnosed by triple coproscopy, and the total serum Immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels were determined by ELISA. PA patients with intestinal parasites were treated with conventional antiparasitic drugs. Patient response to antiparasitic therapy was evaluated after 6 weeks. Results: The prevalence of intestinal parasites in PA patients and controls was 60 ± 3.6% and 32 ± 4.6%, respectively (P