Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common mild, acute inflammatory disease which is 50% more common in females. Young adults are principally affected, mostly in the spring or fall. Concurrent household cases have been reported. Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disease. It appears as a rash that can last from several weeks to several months. The way the rash looks may differ from person to person.Pityriasis rosea clears up by itself in about six to twelve weeks. When clear, the skin returns to its normal appearance. It leaves no scars, although pale marks or brown discolouration may persist for a few months in dark skinned people. Second attacks of pityriasis rosea are rare.

Pityriasis Rosea Information and Facts

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute and characteristic exanthem that has been described for more than 2 centuries. Initially, a primary plaque, called a herald patch, is seen. The herald patch is followed by a distinctive, generalized rash 1-2 weeks later. The rash lasts approximately 2-6 weeks.

Itching is common but is usually mild. The diagnosis is made by finding one or more classic lesions. The lesions consist of oval, fawn-colored plaques up to 2 cm in diameter. The centers of the lesions have a crinkled or "cigarette paper" appearance and a collarette scale, ie, a thin bit of scale that is bound at the periphery and free in the center. Only a few lesions in the eruption may have this characteristic appearance, however. Lesions follow cleavage lines on the trunk (so-called Christmas tree pattern), and the proximal portions of the extremities are often involved. A variant that affects the flexures (axillae and groin), so-called inverse pityriasis rosea, and a papular variant, especially in black patients, also occur. An initial lesion ("herald patch") that is often larger than the later lesions often precedes the general eruption by 1–2 weeks. The eruption usually lasts 6–8 weeks and heals without scarring.

Symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea

The main symptoms of pityriasis rosea are the appearance of the herald patch followed by a more diffuse rash of smaller patches. The patches tend to be oval, scaly, and dry to the touch. They may be pink, red or brown and generally appear on the abdomen, back, neck, arms and legs. Only rarely do the patches appear on the face.

Pityriasis Rosea Cause

The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown. It may be caused by a yet unidentified virus.

Pityriasis Rosea Treatment

Pityriasis rosea often requires no treatment. In Asians, Hispanics, or blacks, in whom lesions may remain hyperpigmented for some time, more aggressive management may be indicated. The most effective management consists of daily UVB treatments, or prednisone as used for contact dermatitis. Topical steroids of medium strength (triamcinolone 0.1%) may also be used if pruritus is bothersome. Oral erythromycin for 14 days was reported to clear 73% of patients within 2 weeks (compared with none of the patients on placebo). Here are the list of Pityriasis Rosea Treatment:

For mild itching, an over-the-counter anti-itch ointment (such as calamine lotion) or corticosteroid cream (such as Cortizone-10 or Cortaid) may be enough to provide relief.

For more severe itching, stronger steroid creams may be prescribed. For itching that occurs mainly at night, oral antihistamines may reduce itching and make you drowsy enough to fall asleep more easily.

The red spots may appear more prominently after a hot shower or bath and after heavy physical activity. The condition doesn't get worse, the rash simply becomes more noticeable.

The rash of pityriasis rosea is irritated by soap; bathe or shower with plain water. The rash makes the skin dry; it helps to put a thin coating of bath oil on your freshly dried skin after a shower or bath.

If the rash itches, treatment with a cortisone cream usually brings prompt relief. The cortisone does not cure pityriasis rosea; it will only make you more comfortable while getting over the rash.

Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet light treatment may help speed resolution of lesions. However, care must be taken to avoid sunburn.