Pityriasis Rosea (pit-ih-RIE-uh-sis) is also known as Pityriasis rosea is a condition causing the skin rash. Young adults, adolescents, and children are more commonly affected. Also rarely it might affect elderly of middle aged. Both sexes are involved equally.
Cause
It is proposed to be caused by a virus from herpesvirus group.Its seasonal occurrence in young adults and children, the presence of a primary lesion, occasional prodromal symptoms, spontaneous resolution within 6 weeks and rarity of secondary attacks point to viral etiology.
Signs & Symptoms
Typical appearance is a sudden eruption of oval or circular, erythematous, barely elevated plaques with a clear area in the center and with fine scales. Also commonly as the single large lesion (mother plaque) appears before generalized eruption by 2-5 days. lesion starts as macule (hypopigmented area <1 cm in size) which gradually turns into papule (circumscribed solid elevated lesion <1 cm) expanding at the periphery and clear in the center.Fine scales can be seen attached to the inner border of ring-shaped lesion forming a ‘collarette’.
Trunk and covered parts or proximal extremities are principally affected. In severe cases even face and distal extremities may be involved.
Upper respiratory tract infection precedes in 69% of the patients. The rash may be affected by low-grade fever, headache, nausea, and fatigue.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is mainly based on clinical features but occasionally in rare cases, skin biopsy may be required.
Treatment
As it is a condition with viral etiology eruptions resolves without any therapy within 4-6 weeks. Symptoms can be managed by over the counter medications. If itching is present topical corticosteroids or oral antihistamines can be given. Also, patients are advised to avoid irritating agents and soaps and to use soothing creams. Also, direct sunlight helps resolve symptoms quickly. UV therapy can be used or this, but it is most effective in 1st week of the eruption.
Only 2% of the patients have a recurrence.
