Pityriasis

Author: Camila K Janniger, MD; Chief Editor: Burke A Cunha, MD more...

Updated: May 16, 2011

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Background
Epidemiology
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Background

Pityriasis rosea, a rash first described by Gilbert in the 19th century, is a common type of papulosquamous skin eruption that is typically acute in onset and self-limiting. Pityriasis rosea has a distinctive morphology and clinical course and a predilection for young adults. Other types of similar skin eruptions include lichen planus, psoriasis, eczema, and pityriasis rubra pilaris. The rash of pityriasis rosea is scaly in appearance and consists of papules and, sometimes, plaques. The rash is usually short-lived and requires only symptomatic treatment. Pityriasis rosea evolves rapidly and usually begins with the well-known herald patch.

Frequency

United States

Pityriasis rosea is very common in the general population, and most cases occur in the spring and winter in temperate climates. The estimated frequency of pityriasis rosea in the United States is approximately 0.13% in females and 0.14% in males.

International

Pityriasis rosea is more common in certain countries (eg, Uganda).

Mortality/Morbidity

Pityriasis is a self-limiting illness that causes very little morbidity. It follows a benign course in most patients, and complete resolution of symptoms is the rule. However, some cases of severe eczematous or drug-induced rashes may be protracted. These cases are known as pityriasis rosea perstans.

Race

Pityriasis has no predilection for any race.

Sex

The incidence of rash development is slightly higher in females than in males.

Age

Approximately 87-90% of pityriasis cases occur in people aged 10-40 years. Pityriasis is rare among very young and very old persons.

Proceed to Clinical Presentation

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Camila K Janniger, MD Clinical Professor of Dermatology, Clinical Associate Professor of Pediatrics, Chief of Pediatric Dermatology, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-New Jersey Medical School

Camila K Janniger, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Rajendra Kapila, MD, MBBS Professor of Medicine, Department of Medicine, UMDNJ, New Jersey Medical School

Rajendra Kapila, MD, MBBS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Physicians, American Medical Association, Infectious Diseases Society of America, and Infectious Diseases Society of New Jersey

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Robert L Rogers, MD Staff Physician, Departments of Internal Medicine and Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland

Robert L Rogers, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Amal Mattu, MD, FACEP, FAAEM Program Director, Emergency Medicine Residency, Co-Director, Emergency Medicine/Internal Medicine Combined Residency Program, Department of Surgery, Division of Emergency Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Amal Mattu, MD, FACEP, FAAEM is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Emergency Medicine, American College of Emergency Physicians, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Daniel R Lucey, MD, MPH Chief, Fellowship Program Director, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Washington Hospital Center; Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Daniel R Lucey, MD, MPH is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha and American College of Physicians

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: eMedicine Salary Employment

Thomas M Kerkering, MD Chief of Infectious Diseases, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine

Thomas M Kerkering, MD is a member of the following medical societies: Alpha Omega Alpha, American College of Physicians, American Public Health Association, American Society for Microbiology, American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, Infectious Diseases Society of America, Medical Society of Virginia, and Wilderness Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD Clinical and Research Fellow, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Massachusetts General Hospital

Eleftherios Mylonakis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Advancement of Science, American College of Physicians, American Society for Microbiology, and Infectious Diseases Society of America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Burke A Cunha, MD Professor of Medicine, State University of New York School of Medicine at Stony Brook; Chief, Infectious Disease Division, Winthrop-University Hospital

Burke A Cunha, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, and Infectious Diseases Society of America

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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