Pityriasis Rosea

Definition

Pityriasis rosea may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. No bacteria, virus, or fungus has been isolated as a definite causal agent, although HHV-6 and HH-7 may play a role. Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by itchy rash develops over the trunk and extremities. The disease usually begins with a single herald or mother patch, usually larger than succeeding lesions. It is characterized by a single round spot on the body, followed later by a rash of colored spots on the body and upper arms. It is classified as a papulosquamous disorder, which means that its lesions are marked by small raised areas as well as scaly areas. Pityriasis rosea can occur at any age, however, it occurs most often in teenagers and young adults. The eruption is usually generalized, affecting chiefly the trunk, and sparing sun-exposed surfaces.

Causes of Pityriasis Rosea

The most common Causes of Pityriasis Rosea are as:-

• Medicines such as Bismuth, Barbiturates, Captopril, Gold, Organic mercurials, Methoxypromazine, Metronidazole, D-penicillamine, Isotretinoin, Tripelennamine hydrochloride, Ketotifen.

Salvarsan may also cause this disease.

• It is not highly contagious.
• Weather condition is the main cause of pityriasis rosea. It occurs most commonly in the fall and spring.
• Disorders: such as atopy, seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris and dandruff are also the common cause of pityriasis rosea.
• It is not an allergic reaction.
• It may be caused by a viral or bacterial infection. No bacteria, virus, or fungus has been isolated as a definite causal agent.

Symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea

The symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea as includes:-

• Appearance of the herald patch followed by a more diffuse rash of smaller patches.
• Skin redness or inflammation may occur.
• Pityriasis rosea usually starts with a pink or tan oval area on the chest or back. The main patch is usually followed by smaller pink or tan patches elsewhere on the body.
• Skin lesions spreads very fast in chronic condition.
• The rashes are often found on the back, chest, and stomach. Rarely does it affect the limbs and extremities. Usually it does not affect the face, however a few blemishes may be found on the cheeks.
• Itching may be present during pityriasis rosea.
• The fever, headache and fatigue are among the common symptoms.

Treatments of Pityriasis Rosea

The effective treatments for pityriasis rosea are :-

• The cool baths with or without oatmeal helps in the removal of patches.
• Ultraviolet B in erythema exposures should be used to expedite the involution of lesions after the acute inflammatory stage has passed.
• To some extent antihistamines by mouth are beneficial.
• Oral medications helps to soothe the itching.
• Nature always cures this disorder, sometimes slowly.
• Corticosteroid lotions: creams or sprays can be used on the affected area to provide immediate relief.
• The rash of pityriasis rosea is irritated by soap.So avoid this thing.