Pityriasis rosea

Patient Information Leaflet
Link: Pityriasis rosea

https://www.pcds.org.uk/patient-info-leaflets/pityriasis-rosea

Pityriasis rosea is an acute self‐limiting disease, probably infective in origin, affecting mainly children and young adults and characterised by a distinctive skin eruption and minimal constitutional symptoms.

This chapter is set out as follows:

• Pityriasis rosea may be associated with viral infections, although it does not appear to be contagious

• Tends to affect young people, often between the ages of 10 to 35
• Can be itchy

• A herald patch precedes the main rash by a few days. It is larger than subsequent lesions, usually 2 to 5 cm in diameter, bright-red with fine scale and a sharply demarcated border
   
• Distribution of the main rash
• Predominantly affects the trunk but can involve the limbs and occasionally the face in children
• Lesions on the trunk tend to run along the lines of cleavage parallel to the ribs giving a Christmas tree-like appearance

• Morphology
• Oval dull-pink macules-patches, some of which have a fine peripheral collarette of scale

• An important, although uncommon condition not to overlook is that of secondary syphilis. Lesions on the trunk can appear similar to those of pityriasis rosea, but additional sites such as the palms and soles are frequently affected

• Refer to the top right of the page for a patient information leaflet available through a QR code or printable PDF

• An emollient or mild topical steroid can be used if the rash is itchy

• The rash often resolves within 6-12 weeks