ATLAS OF SKIN DISEASES

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disease. The cause of pityriasis rosea is not clear. It is possible that certain types of herpes virus may trigger it. Typical presentation of pityriasis rosea is appearance of red-pink oval plaques, partially oriented along the rib arches. Often the rash begins with a single large patch (called "herald patch"), then multiple smaller patches appear within short period of time.  Sometime a patient may develop slight fever or sore throat before the rash. In number of cases patients make wrong self-diagnosis of a fungal infection,  which leads to inappropriate treatment. Treatment of pityriasis rosea  is symptomatic and depends on the severity of the symptoms. Mild forms may require reassurance only. Explaining that the rash is self-limited, and will resolve within 2 months may be all that a patient needs. In severe forms a short course of systemic corticosteroids may be considered.