Pityriasis rosea: An important papulosquamous disorder

• Published in: International journal of dermatology Vol. 44; no. 9; pp. 757 - 764
• Main Authors: González, Lenis M., Allen, Robert, Janniger, Camila Krysicka, Schwartz, Robert A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01.09.2005; Blackwell Science; Blackwell Publishing Ltd
• Subjects: Biological and medical sciences; Dermatology; Diagnosis, Differential; Drug Eruptions - complications; Humans; Medical sciences; Pityriasis Rosea - etiology; Pityriasis Rosea - pathology; Pityriasis Rosea - therapy; Skin involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous. General aspects; Infection; Human; Skin disease; Dermatology; Presumed viral disease; Pityriasis rosea; Review
• ISSN: 0011-9059; 1365-4632
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4632.2005.02635.x

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a mild, self‐limited skin disease of unknown etiology. Viral and bacterial causes have been considered as possible causes. Pityriasis rosea typically affects children and young adults. It is characterized by an initial herald patch, followed by the development of salmon‐pink scaly macules which, when localized to the trunk, form along Langer's lines of cleavage. Pityriasis rosea may be difficult to diagnose until the appearance of these characteristic smaller secondary lesions. Several medications can cause a rash similar to PR. Pityriasis rosea must be distinguished from several diseases, including secondary syphilis. The treatment of PR is usually symptomatic.