Pityriasis Rosea in Emergency Medicine 

  • Author: Richard Lichenstein, MD; Chief Editor: Pamela L Dyne, MD   more...
 
Updated: Aug 24, 2011
 

Background

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute and characteristic exanthem that has been described for more than 2 centuries. Initially, a primary plaque, called a herald patch, is seen (as is demonstrated in the image below).

Herald patch. Courtesy of the Drexel Department ofHerald patch. Courtesy of the Drexel Department of Dermatology slide collection.

The herald patch is followed by a distinctive, generalized rash 1-2 weeks later. The rash lasts approximately 2-6 weeks.

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Pathophysiology

A recent study noted a lack of natural killer (NK) cell and B-cell activity in pityriasis rosea lesions, suggesting a predominantly T-cell mediated immunity in the development of the condition.[1]

The primary plaque is seen on the skin in 50-90% of cases a week or more before the onset of the eruption of smaller lesions. This secondary eruption occurs 2-21 days later in crops following the lines of cleavage of the skin. On the back, this eruption produces a "Christmas tree" pattern. See the image below.

Christmas tree distribution of lesions on the trunChristmas tree distribution of lesions on the trunk. Courtesy of the Drexel Department of Dermatology slide collection.
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Epidemiology

Frequency

United States

The overall prevalence of pityriasis rosea has been calculated to be 0.13% in men and 0.14% in women. The prevalence reported at dermatologic centers is 0.3-3%.

International

An increase in the prevalence of pityriasis rosea has been reported in Uganda. No change in the prevalence of pityriasis rosea has been reported in Sweden. It has also been seen in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sudan, Brazil, Lagos, Singapore, Turkey, Kuwait, and Hong Kong.

Mortality/Morbidity

Pityriasis rosea is a self-limited, benign illness.

Sex

Pityriasis rosea is reported to occur equally in the two sexes or slightly more often in females. The ratio of men to women varies from 1:1.43.

Age

Pityriasis rosea is most common in children and young adults. Prevalence of pityriasis rosea rises during childhood and is most common in persons aged 15-40 years. Pityriasis rosea is rare in infants and in elderly persons; however, it has been reported in infants as young as 3 months.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Richard Lichenstein, MD  Associate Professor, Pediatric Emergency Department, University of Maryland School of Medicine

Richard Lichenstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Jerry Balentine, DO  Professor of Emergency Medicine, New York College of Osteopathic Medicine; Executive Vice President, Chief Medical Officer, Attending Physician in Department of Emergency Medicine, St Barnabas Hospital

Jerry Balentine, DO is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Emergency Physicians, American College of Physician Executives, American Osteopathic Association, and New York Academy of Medicine

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: Medscape Salary Employment

Mark W Fourre, MD  Program Director, Department of Emergency Medicine, Maine Medical Center; Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Surgery, University of Vermont School of Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

John D Halamka, MD, MS  Associate Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Chief Information Officer, CareGroup Healthcare System and Harvard Medical School; Attending Physician, Division of Emergency Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center

John D Halamka, MD, MS is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Emergency Physicians, American Medical Informatics Association, Phi Beta Kappa, and Society for Academic Emergency Medicine

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Pamela L Dyne, MD  Professor of Clinical Medicine/Emergency Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine; Attending Physician, Department of Emergency Medicine, Olive View-UCLA Medical Center

Pamela L Dyne, MD 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.

References

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  2. Amer A, Fischer H, Li X. The natural history of pityriasis rosea in black American children: how correct is the "classic" description?. Arch Pediatr Adolesc Med. May 2007;161(5):503-6. [Medline].

  3. Vidimos AT, Camisa C. Tongue and cheek: oral lesions in pityriasis rosea. Cutis. Oct 1992;50(4):276-80. [Medline].

  4. Drago F, Ranieri E, Malaguti F. Human herpesvirus 7 in patients with pityriasis rosea. Electron microscopy investigations and polymerase chain reaction in mononuclear cells, plasma and skin. Dermatology. 1997;195(4):374-8. [Medline].

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Herald patch. Courtesy of the Drexel Department of Dermatology slide collection.
Christmas tree distribution of lesions on the trunk. Courtesy of the Drexel Department of Dermatology slide collection.
 
 
 
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