Pityriasis Rosea - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute and characteristic exanthem that has been described for more than 2 centuries. Initially, a primary plaque, called a herald patch, is seen. It is a rash that occurs most commonly in people between the ages of 10 and 35, but may occur at any age. The rash can last from several weeks to several months. Usually there are no permanent marks as a result of this condition, although some darker-skinned persons may develop long-lasting flat brown spots that eventually fade. Sometimes the disease can cause a more severe skin reaction. Some patients with this disease will have some itching that can be severe, especially when the patient becomes overheated. Occasionally there may be other symptoms, including tiredness and aching. The rash usually fades and disappears within six weeks but can sometimes last much longer. These spots may itch badly. If the rash is on your back, it may have the shape of a Christmas tree.

Causes

1. The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown and doctors are not certain about any cause.
2. Some physicians believe that pityriasis rosea is caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
3. The cause may be an infection, such as certain strains of the human herpes virus.
4. Environment has some role in this disease. Pityriasis rosea occurs most commonly in the fall and spring.
5. It can occur in more than one person in family but is not a contagious disease i.e. it does not cause by physical contact or other media.

Symptoms

1. Initially Pityriasis rosea appears as a large, slightly raised, scaly patch. It is called the herald patch and is commonly on your back, chest or abdomen.
2. Smaller fine, scaly spots usually appear across your back, chest or abdomen in a pine-tree pattern a few days to a few weeks after the herald patch.
3. Usually the patches are sharply demarcated and the edges may be erythematous and slightly elevated.
4. The patches vary in size, usually being a few centimeters in diameter.
5. The color is white or light pink and the scales are fine and adherent.
6. Some people have a vague feeling of illness, loss of appetite, fever, and joint pain a few days before the patch appears.
7. Most people with pityriasis rosea have some itching, and in some people the itching can be severe.

Treatment

1. In most cases, pityriasis rosea goes away in four to eight weeks. Treatment usually focuses on controlling itching.
2. 0.5% hydrocortisone and 1% crude coal tar in a cream base, half-strength Pragmatar ointment, Lac-Hydrin, 2% Zetar in Cordran cream, or 1% Vioform cream are highly useful.
3. Sometimes people with pityriasis rosea have to take steroid pills to clear up their rash. But care is highly recommended as this have several side effects.
4. Ultraviolet exposure under the supervision of a licensed practitioner. It is rarely used though.
5. Cool compresses are also given to sooth the affected skin. It reduces the rash or inflammation to some extent.