We're celebrating
40 years!
Last updated:
May 08, 2018
Years published: 2009, 2012, 2015, 2018
NORD gratefully John Browning, MD, FAAD, FAAP, Baylor College of Medicine, Assistant Professor of Pediatrics & Dermatology, for assistance in the preparation of this report.
Pityriasis rosea is a relatively mild skin disorder characterized by a salmon or pink colored, scaly rash. Pityriasis rosea most often affects children and young adults. In many individuals with pityriasis rosea, the characteristic rash develops after vague, nonspecific symptoms that resemble those associated with an upper respiratory infection. The rash is usually located on the back, chest and stomach and resolves on its own within one to three months. Certain treatments may reduce the duration of the rash. Researchers believe that pityriasis rosea is caused by an infectious pathogen, but they have been unable to isolate and identify such a pathogen.
In many cases, the characteristic rash associated with pityriasis rosea is preceded by vague, nonspecific symptoms similar to those seen with a viral upper respiratory infection. Such symptoms can include fever, headache, stuffy nose, sore throat and fatigue. Sometimes there is no history of preceding illness before the rash appears.
Initially, affected individuals develop a herald patch, which is a single scaly red patch, usually on the back, chest or stomach. When located on the back the herald patch may go undetected before appearance of the generalized rash. A herald patch is a slightly raised plaque that is usually between 2 to 4 inches large. Often the herald patch is misdiagnosed as ring worm (tinea corporis). Over the next few days or weeks, multiple smaller scaly, pink or red spots will develop. In individuals with darker skin, the rash may be gray, dark brown or black. Although the back, chest and stomach are most commonly affected, the rash may spread to affect the arms, legs and neck. Less often, other areas of the body may become involved. In rare cases, the rash may be isolated (localized) to one specific area of the body. In some people, the rash does not itch; in other people, the rash may be extremely itchy (pruritic).
The rash usually lasts one to three months in approximately 80 percent of cases. Pityriasis rosea eventually goes away on its own, even without treatment, and usually does not leave any scars or permanent marks. However, people with darker skin may have residual dark spots at sites of inflammation which can last for many months before resolution.
Researchers believe that pityriasis rosea is caused by a viral infection. However, even though the disorder was first described in the medical literature in 1860, no infectious pathogen has ever been identified.
Several factors support the theory that pityriasis rosea is caused by a viral infection – most individuals have vague, nonspecific symptoms before the development of the rash (prodromal illness); after the acute phase of infection the disorder does not recur, suggesting that the body builds up an immunity to the infection; and pityriasis rosea has occurred in clusters, suggesting that a viral illness is affecting a community. Although a virus is believed to cause pityriasis rosea, the disorder is not thought to be contagious.
Some researchers have theorized that autoimmune factors may play a role in the development of pityriasis rosea. Autoimmunity is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue for unknown reasons.
Some reports in the medical literature state that pityriasis rosea affects females more often than males; others state that the disorder affects males and females in equal numbers. The disorder most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 10 and 35, but has been reported in all age groups including infants and the elderly. Pityriasis rosea occurs with greater frequency in the spring and autumn months.
A diagnosis of pityriasis rosea is made based upon identification of characteristic symptoms, a detailed patient history, and a thorough clinical evaluation. In the earlier stages of the disorder, additional tests such as blood tests or a biopsy may be necessary to distinguish pityriasis rosea from similar skin disorders.
Treatment
The treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Many individuals may not require treatment and the rash usually clears up on its own within 1-3 months. Most treatment is geared to controlling or reducing itching. Such therapies include antihistamines, steroid creams or ointments.
A variety of therapies have been used to try to shorten the duration of the rash associated with pityriasis rosea. Such therapies include systemic corticosteroids, certain antiviral drugs such as acyclovir and famciclovir, and the antibiotic erythromycin. There is limited evidence to support any of these treatments.
Phototherapy is used for individuals with inflammatory skin disorders such as pityriasis rosea. Phototherapy may be administered by itself or in conjunction with topical treatments. Some affected individuals may be treated by greater exposure to sunlight.
Information on current clinical trials is posted on the Internet at www.clinicaltrials.gov. All studies receiving U.S. Government funding, and some supported by private industry, are posted on this government web site.
For information about clinical trials being conducted at the NIH Clinical Center in Bethesda, MD, contact the NIH Patient Recruitment Office:
Tollfree: (800) 411-1222
TTY: (866) 411-1010
Email: prpl@cc.nih.gov
Some current clinical trials also are posted on the following page on the NORD website:
https://rarediseases.org/living-with-a-rare-disease/find-clinical-trials/
For information about clinical trials sponsored by private sources, contact:
www.centerwatch.com
For information about clinical trials conducted in Europe, contact:
https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/
Pityriasis Rosea Resources
Please note that some of these organizations may provide information concerning certain conditions potentially associated with this disorder.
TEXTBOOKS
James WD, Berger TG, Elston DM. Eds. Andrew’s Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology. 10th ed. Saunders. 2005:208-209.
Champion RH, Burton JL, Ebling FJG. Eds. Textbook of Dermatology. 5th ed. Blackwell Scientific Publications. London, UK; 1992:948-951.
JOURNAL ARTICLES
Drago F, Vecchio F, Rebora A. Use of high-dose acyclovir in pityriasis rosea. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2006;54:82-85.
Atzori L, Pinna AL, Ferreli C, Aste N. Pityriasis rosea-like adverse reaction: review of the literature and experience of an Italian drug-surveillance center. Dermatol Online J. 2006;12:1.
Stulberg DL, Wolfrey J. Pityriasis rosea. Am Fam Physician 2004;69:87-91.
Chuh A, Chan H, Zawar V. Pityriasis rosea – evidence for and against an infectious etiology. Epidemiol Infect. 2004;132:381-390.
INTERNET
Mayo Clinic for Medical Education and Research. Pityriasis Rosea. July 02, 2015. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pityriasis-rosea/DS00720 Accessed April 5, 2018.
DermNet NZ. Pityriasis Rosea. August, 2014. Available at: https://dermnetnz.org/viral/pityriasis-rosea.html Accessed April 5, 2018.
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