prevalence of pithyriasis alba in elementary school children in babol, northern iran

background: pithyriasis alba (pa) is a nonspecific dermatitis with unknown origin and is a common dermatosis during childhood. its prevalence is higher in individuals with darker skin, inadequate personal hygiene, sun exposure, xerosis with atopic dermatitis. the purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of pithyriasis alba in elementary school children in babol, northern iran.methods: this cross sectional study was carried out on 937 children in elementary schools in babol, north of iran, from 2007 through 2008. the diagnosis of the disease was made through clinical examination. the variables like age, gender, areas of skin lesions were also evaluated. data were collected and analyzed. results: nine hundred-thirty seven children (491 boys and 446 girls) between the ages 7-11 years were examined. p.a was seen in 44 (9.9%) out of 446 girls and in 44 (9%) out of 491 boys (p>0.05). the prevalence of pa was 9.4%. conclusion: the results show that the prevalence of pithyriasis alba was relatively high in the school children. preventive protocols for the infected children are recommended.