UMEM Educational Pearls

Title: Pityriasis Rosea

Category: Dermatology

Keywords: Pityriasis rosea (PubMed Search)

Posted: 1/3/2010 by Michael Bond, MD
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Pityriasis Rosea

  • A common exantham that typically presents initially with a herald patch, followed by a generalized rash over the next 1-2 weeks and can last 4-6 weeks.
  • Patients may initially have prodromal symptoms such as joint pain,headache, fever and malaise that precede the appearance of the rash.
  • The primary plaque, herald patch, is seen on the skin in 50-90% of cases.
  • The generalized rash typically develops in crops along the lines in the skin leading to a characteristic "Christmas tree" pattern.
  • Pruritus is present in 75% of cases.
  • Usually a self-limited, benign illness that does not require any treatment.  Though symptomatic treatment of the pruritus is reasonable.