Pityriasis Rosea Disease

DESCRIPTION

An idiopathic self-limited skin eruption characterized by widespread papulosquamous lesions

System(s) affected:Skin/Exocrine
Genetics: Less than 5 percent of those affected give a positive family history
Incidence/Prevalence in USA: Relatively common but exact frequency unknown
Predominant age: 10-35, but occurs in all age groups
Predominant sex: Male = Female

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Salmon to light brown oval plaques with fine scales centrally and "collarette" of loose scales along borders
Lesions average 1-2 cm in diameter and usually spare face, hands and feet in adults
Lesions frequently oriented along skin cleavage lines in "Christmas tree" pattern
Eruption often preceded by 2-6 cm "herald patch" of similar appearance days to weeks before generalized rash
Mild pruritus, rarely severe
Fever and malaise rare
Variant forms include purpuric, urticarial, and vesicular lesions

CAUSES

Unknown, may be a viral agent or an autoimmune disorder

RISK FACTORS

Unknown

LABORATORY

WBC normal. No specific lab markers. Serology to rule out syphilis.

Drugs that may alter lab results: N/A
Disorders that may alter lab results: N/A

PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS

Chronic inflammation with cytolytic degeneration of keratinocytes adjacent to Langerhans cells

SPECIAL TESTS

KOH preparation to distinguish from tinea corporis

IMAGING

N/A

DIAGNOSTIC PROCEDURES

N/A

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

Outpatient

GENERAL MEASURES

Symptomatic treatment
Topical antipruritics as needed
Ultraviolet therapy has been used but efficacy not proven
Lukewarm oatmeal baths (not hot as it can intensify itching)

SURGICAL MEASURES

N/A

ACTIVITY

Full activity with good skin hygiene to prevent secondary infection

DIET

N/A

PATIENT EDUCATION

Reassurance as to self-limited nature of condition
Printed patient information available from: American Academy of Dermatology (708) 330-0230.

PREVENTION/AVOIDANCE

N/A

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

Secondary infection (e.g., impetigo)

EXPECTED COURSE AND PROGNOSIS

Gradual resolution in 1-14 weeks (usually 2-6)

ASSOCIATED CONDITIONS

N/A

AGE-RELATED FACTORS

Pediatric:Face, distal extremities more often involved in children and lesions may be more papular
Geriatric: N/A
Others: N/A

PREGNANCY

N/A

OTHER NOTES

N/A

ABBREVIATIONS

N/A

Clinical Investigations

ROLE OF HOMOEOPATHY

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