Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a viral rash

It can last about 6–12 weeks.

Mainly affects teenagers and young adults but any age group can be affected

Sometimes can follow the upper respiratory tract infection

Cause

Herpes 6 and 7 virus

Clinical features

A herald patch is a single plaque that appears 1–20 days before the generalized rash of pityriasis rosea.

It is an oval pink or red plaque

After a few days, more scaly patches start appearing on the chest and back. These lesions are generally smaller than the initial herald patch

Rash clears in 6-12 weeks

Diagnosis

Clinical

Management

General measures

Exposure to sunlight but avoid sunburn

Bath with plain water and aqueous cream

Pharmacological treatment

Usually, self remitting

Below can be used- Seek a dermatologist advice

A 7-day course of aciclovir

A 2-week course of oral erythromycin

Topical steroid cream or ointment such as  Elocon ointment for itching

HERALD PATCH- DIAGNOSTIC