Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a common disorder in children and
young adults. It often begins with a large scaly lesion called the “herald
patch.” Within days to weeks after, many smaller scaling patches begin to appear
and can continue to appear for weeks. They are often oval, and may take on the pattern of a
Christmas tree on the back and anterior trunk.
The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown, although
many clinicians suspect a virus. However,
it is unlikely that anyone else would become infected in the family since
the degree of contagion is low.
The typical course for resolution of pityriasis rosea is approximately six to twelve weeks.
What to expect
Some patients have nothing but non-itchy scaling areas,
whereas other patients have associated low-grade fevers and a considerable degree
of itchiness. The lesions of pityriasis rosea will go away on their own,
and treatment is only needed to help with the itching. Some patients may have some
temporary areas of pigment change at the sites of lesions, but this tends to
resolve during the months that follow. Occasionally
pityriasis rosea may recur once, usually 6 to 12 months after
the initial episode.
Treatment
The lesions of pityriasis rosea will go away on their own, and treatment
is only needed to help with the itching.