Pityriasis rosea

Background

• Mild inflammatory exanthem
  • May be caused by HHV 6 and 7
• Most common 10-35yr old
• Not contagious
• Spontaneous resolution occurs w/in 4-12wk

Diagnosis

• Begins with single, "herald," patch (salmon-colored, fine scaling)
• Followed in 1-2 weeks by generalized diffuse papulosquamous rash mostly on trunk
  • Secondary rash with fine scaling oval macules and plaques following Langer Lines ("Christmas tree" pattern)
• Pruritus can be moderate to severe

DDx

• Psoriasis
• Tinea corporis
  • Usually not as widespread
• Pityriasis versicolor
  • Also has fine scaling but KOH is diagnostic

Treatment

• Lasts 8 to 12 weeks
• Reassurance about the self-limited nature
• Natural sunlight may speed up resolution
• Pruritus
  • Antihistamine, topical steroids
    • Triamcinolone 0.1% - Adults
    • Hydrocortisone 1% - children)
  • Other
    • Zinc oxide
    • Calamine lotion
  • Systemic steroids are generally not recommended.
• Rash or pruritus beyond 12 weeks: reconsider original diagnosis
  • Consider biopsy to confirm the diagnosis

Disposition

• Discharge

Source

• Tintinalli
• Richard P. Usatine and Jennifer Krejci-Manwaring: Rakel: Textbook of Family Medicine, 8th ed., Saunders 2011, (Ch) 33:p720