Papulosquamous Diseases: Pityriasis Rosea

Question 1

Pityriasis Rosea

Clinical Feature. Smp. Sites. Dist.

Answer 1

Clinical Feature
• acute, self-limiting eruption characterized by red, oval plaques/patches with central scale that does not
extend to edge of lesion
• long axis of lesions follows skin tension lines (i.e. Langer’s Lines) parallel to ribs producing “Christmas
tree” pattern on back
• varied degree of pruritus
• common sites: trunk, proximal aspects of arms and legs

Question 2

Pityriasis Rosea

Etiology

Answer 2

• suspected HHV-7 or HHV-6 reactivation

Question 3

Pityriasis Rosea.

Investigations

Answer 3

none required

Question 4

Pityriasis Rosea,

Management and course.

Answer 4

• none required; clears spontaneously in 6-12 wk

* symptomatic: topical glucocorticoids if pruritic, cool compresses, emollients