Estimation of Serum Vitamin D Levels in Patients of Recurrent Pityriasis alba in Dark Skin: An Observational Study in Pediatric Population in Northeast India

Background: Pityriasis alba is a commonly occurring hypopigmented skin disorder predominantly affecting the pediatric population. The incidence of this disease in children ranges from about 1.9% to 5.2%. Clinically, the spots of P. alba are off-white patches mostly over the cheeks with fine scales appreciated on shining oblique light on the lesions. Although no specific pathogenesis has been elucidated for this disease, some authors have identified the role of Vitamin D as a causative agent for melanocyte disruption in this disease. Materials and Methods: In this prospective study conducted at the dermatology department of this tertiary care center from January to July 2025, a total of 200 subjects (100 diagnosed cases of P. alba and 100 healthy controls) who attended dermatology outpatient department were included and the serum Vitamin D levels of all the subjects were estimated. The data collected were statistically analyzed through Mann–Whitney U -test, univariate binary logistic regression analysis and t -test as appropriate by statistical software StatPlus version 7.51.0. Results were considered statistically significant for a P < 0.05. Results: The group with P. alba had 48 males and 52 females, whereas the control group had 49 males and 51 females. Mean serum levels of Vitamin D were calculated for both P. alba patients and controls and t -test for difference between means was applied, which showed that the mean serum level of Vitamin D of cases (14.97 ± 9.85) was significantly lower than controls (44.82 ± 19.91). Univariable logistic regression (binary) was used to determine the association between independent variable (serum Vitamin D levels) and P. alba as a binary outcome (present or absent). An odds ratio of 0.8 with P < 0.05 reflected an inverse association i.e. higher serum Vitamin D levels are associated with a lesser likelihood of occurrence of P. alba and vice versa. Conclusion: This study underscores a statistically significant inverse relationship between serum Vitamin D levels and recurrent P. alba in children with dark skin. The findings suggest that Vitamin D deficiency may be a contributing factor in the persistence and recurrence of P. alba .