Pityriasis Alba- A Comparative Review of Modern Dermatology and Unani Medicine

Background: Pityriasis alba (PA) is a common acquired hypopigmentary disorder predominantly affecting children and adolescents. Although it is generally considered a benign and self-limiting condition, its resemblance to other hypopigmentary disorders often creates diagnostic challenges. In Unani medicine, PA has been tentatively correlated with Bahaq Abyad; however, the validity of this association has not been critically evaluated. Objective: To critically compare pityriasis alba and Bahaq Abyad by reviewing their epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and therapeutic approaches from modern dermatological and Unani perspectives. Methods: A narrative review was conducted using relevant contemporary scientific literature and classical Unani texts. Evidence related to the epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of pityriasis alba was critically reviewed and comparatively analyzed with the classical description of Bahaq Abyad to evaluate their similarities and differences. Conclusions: The available evidence does not support a definitive correlation between pityriasis alba and Bahaq Abyad. Instead, Bahaq Abyad appears to represent a distinct clinical entity with features overlapping more than one modern hypopigmentary disorder.