DOCSLIB.ORG

Pityriasis Rosea

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Pityriasis Rosea Dermatology Patient Education Pityriasis Rosea WHAT IS PITYRIASIS ROSEA? Pityriasis rosea (pit-ih-RYE-as-sis ro-ZEA) is a common condition that causes patches of redness and a rash on the skin. These patches can look worrisome, but they are harmless. Once it develops, the rash can last anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks before disappearing. While the rash may be itchy, it usually disappears without treatment. Your dermatologist can treat the rash if it lingers or if you are bothered by the itch. Pityriasis rosea is not contagious. Pityriasis Rosea WHAT DOES PITYRIASIS ROSEA LOOK LIKE? Pityriasis rosea tends to develop gradually. You may develop one oval patch on your skin, which is referred to as the “mother patch” or “herald patch.” If you are Caucasian or have olive-colored skin, this patch can be pink- to salmon- colored. If you have brown or black skin, the patch can be gray to dark brown. The mother patch often forms on the chest or back and increases in size for about two weeks. This patch may look scaly and you may mistake it for ringworm, a fungal infection. Applying medicine that treats ringworm will not clear this patch. Within a week or two of seeing the first patch, most people develop a rash, often called “daughter patches.” These patches are smaller and may appear anywhere on your skin. They are most common on the trunk, legs, and arms. Your skin may itch, especially if it becomes warm, such as during a workout or a hot shower. You may see a few oval patches on your skin during the first two weeks and then never develop any additional daughter patches. You may also just develop a rash and not the larger patches. You also might feel ill when the original patches appear. You may feel extremely tired. Your muscles may ache. Other possible symptoms include sore throat, nausea, and mild fever. WHO GETS PITYRIASIS ROSEA? Researchers and dermatologists know that people of all ages and races get pityriasis rosea. Young people, however, are more susceptible. This skin disease usually develops between the ages of 10 and 35. aad.org 1 Downloaded From: https://patiented.pointofcare.aad.org/pdfaccess.ashx?url=/data/gboscontainer/130/ by Teresa Mann on 07/30/2018 IS THIS RASH DANGEROUS DURING PREGNANCY? If a woman develops pityriasis rosea during pregnancy, she should contact her obstetrician. In some cases, this rash can mean that a woman has a higher risk of premature delivery. Discuss any questions with an obstetrician. HOW DOES A DERMATOLOGIST DIAGNOSE PITYRIASIS ROSEA? A dermatologist often can diagnose pityriasis rosea by looking at your skin. In some cases, your dermatologist may order blood tests to distinguish from other conditions, or perform a biopsy, which is removal of a small amount of the affected skin to be looked at under a microscope. Doing this helps ensure that you receive an accurate diagnosis. When you see your dermatologist about a rash, be sure to tell your dermatologist about all medicines that you are taking. Some people develop a rash that looks like pityriasis rosea when they take certain medicines. Pityriasis Rosea HOW DOES A DERMATOLOGIST TREAT PITYRIASIS ROSEA? Most patients do not need treatment. The rash often disappears within 6 to 8 weeks. If you also develop flu-like symptoms, those should disappear shortly after the first patches appear. No treatment is needed for these symptoms either. If your skin is extremely itchy or the rash lingers, your dermatologist may recommend applying a steroid cream, or medicated ointment, to your skin. This medicine can help stop the itch and clear the rash. If you have widespread patches on your body or if you cannot find relief from itchy skin, your dermatologist may recommend more specific treatments. WILL MY SKIN SCAR? Pityriasis rosea usually clears without leaving scars or dark spots. Some people with dark skin see flat, brown spots after the rash clears. If your pityriasis rosea was on sun exposed skin, like the arms or neck, some dark spots may take months to fade. Your dermatologist can discuss treatment options with you for stubborn spots. Although the rash does not cause scars, you can scar if you scratch so hard that you bleed. You can prevent scars by not scratching. WILL I GET PITYRIASIS ROSEA AGAIN? Most people only get pityriasis rosea once in their lifetime. The rash rarely returns. HOW DO I CARE FOR PITYRIASIS ROSEA AT HOME? While you are waiting for the rash to clear, your dermatologist may recommend that you avoid activities that cause you to overheat. Overheating often causes the rash to worsen. Your dermatologist may also recommend that you apply a moisturizer every day. Talk with your dermatologist about the ingredients to look for in a moisturizer to apply to your skin. aad.org 2 Downloaded From: https://patiented.pointofcare.aad.org/pdfaccess.ashx?url=/data/gboscontainer/130/ by Teresa Mann on 07/30/2018 A board-certified dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the medical, surgical, and cosmetic conditions of the skin, hair and nails. To learn more about pityriasis rosea or to find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org or call toll free (888) 462-DERM (3376). All content solely developed by the American Academy of Dermatology. © 2017 American Academy of Dermatology Images used with permission of the American Academy of Dermatology National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides American Academy of Dermatology P.O. Box 4014, Schaumburg, Illinois 60168-4014 AAD Public Information Center: 888.462.DERM (3376) AAD Member Resource Center: 866.503.SKIN (7546) Outside the United States: 847.240.1280 Web: aad.org Email: [email protected] aad.org 3 Downloaded From: https://patiented.pointofcare.aad.org/pdfaccess.ashx?url=/data/gboscontainer/130/ by Teresa Mann on 07/30/2018.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Cutaneous Manifestations of COVID-19: a Systematic Review and Analysis of Individual Patient-Level Data
    Volume 26 Number 12| December 2020 Dermatology Online Journal || Review 26(12):2 Cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19: a systematic review and analysis of individual patient-level data David S Lee1 MD, Paradi Mirmirani2,3 MD, Patrick E McCleskey4 MD, Majid Mehrpouya5 PhD, Farzam Gorouhi6,7 MD Affiliations: 1Department of Dermatology, The Permanente Medical Group, Pleasanton, California, USA, 2Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA, 3Department of Dermatology, The Permanente Medical Group, Vallejo, California, USA, 4Department of Dermatology, The Permanente Medical Group, Oakland, California, USA, 5Faculty of Engineering, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada, 6Department of Dermatology, The Permanente Medical Group, South Sacramento, California, USA, 7Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, California, USA Corresponding Author: Farzam Gorouhi MD FAAD, Kaiser Permanente, South Sacramento, 6600 Bruceville Road, Sacramento, CA 95823, Tel: 415-298-1345, Email: [email protected] Introduction Abstract In December 2019, reports from Wuhan, China Distinctive patterns in the cutaneous manifestations described new clusters of patients with severe of COVID-19 have been recently reported. We pneumonia linked to a novel coronavirus strain, now conducted a systematic review to identify case reports and case series characterizing cutaneous referred to as severe acute respiratory syndrome manifestations of confirmed COVID-19. Key coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), [1]. Coronavirus disease demographic and clinical data from each case were 2019 (COVID-19) has since reached pandemic extracted and analyzed. The primary outcome proportions, with over 12·7 million cases worldwide, measure was risk factor analysis of skin related 566,000 deaths, and 188 countries affected at the outcomes for severe COVID-19 disease.
    [Show full text]
  • The Management of Common Skin Conditions in General Practice
    Management of Common Skin Conditions In General Practice including the “red rash made easy” © Arroll, Fishman & Oakley, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care University of Auckland, Tamaki Campus Reviewed by Hon A/Prof Amanda Oakley - 2019 http://www.dermnetnz.org Management of Common Skin Conditions In General Practice Contents Page Derm Map 3 Classic location: infants & children 4 Classic location: adults 5 Dermatology terminology 6 Common red rashes 7 Other common skin conditions 12 Common viral infections 14 Common bacterial infections 16 Common fungal infections 17 Arthropods 19 Eczema/dermatitis 20 Benign skin lesions 23 Skin cancers 26 Emergency dermatology 28 Clinical diagnosis of melanoma 31 Principles of diagnosis and treatment 32 Principles of treatment of eczema 33 Treatment sequence for psoriasis 34 Topical corticosteroids 35 Combination topical steroid + antimicrobial 36 Safety with topical corticosteroids 36 Emollients 37 Antipruritics 38 For further information, refer to: http://www.dermnetnz.org And http://www.derm-master.com 2 © Arroll, Fishman & Oakley, Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care, University of Auckland, Tamaki Campus. Management of Common Skin Conditions In General Practice DERM MAP Start Is the patient sick ? Yes Rash could be an infection or a drug eruption? No Insect Bites – Crop of grouped papules with a central blister or scab. Is the patient in pain or the rash Yes Infection: cellulitis / erysipelas, impetigo, boil is swelling, oozing or crusting? / folliculitis, herpes simplex / zoster. Urticaria – Smooth skin surface with weals that evolve in minutes to hours. No Is the rash in a classic location? Yes See our classic location chart .
    [Show full text]
  • Autoinvolutive Photoexacerbated Tinea Corporis Mimicking a Subacute Cutaneous Lupus Erythematosus
    Letters to the Editor 141 low-potency steroids had no eŒect. Our patient was treated 4. Jarrat M, Ramsdell W. Infantile acropustulosis. Arch Dermatol with a modern glucocorticoid which has an improved risk– 1979; 115: 834–836. bene t ratio. The antipruritic and anti-in ammatory properties 5. Kahn G, Rywlin AM. Acropustulosis of infancy. Arch Dermatol of the steroid were increased by applying it in combination 1979; 115: 831–833. 6. Newton JA, Salisbury J, Marsden A, McGibbon DH. with a wet-wrap technique, which has already been shown to Acropustulosis of infancy. Br J Dermatol 1986; 115: 735–739. be extremely helpful in cases of acute exacerbations of atopic 7. Mancini AJ, Frieden IJ, Praller AS. Infantile acropustulosis eczema in combination with (3) or even without topical revisited: history of scabies and response to topical corticosteroids. steroids (8). Pediatr Dermatol 1998; 15: 337–341. 8. Abeck D, Brockow K, Mempel M, Fesq H, Ring J. Treatment of acute exacerbated atopic eczema with emollient-antiseptic prepara- tions using ‘‘wet-wrap’’ (‘‘wet-pyjama’’) technique. Hautarzt 1999; REFERENCES 50: 418–421. 1. Vignon-Pennam en M-D, Wallach D. Infantile acropustulosis. Arch Dermatol 1986; 122: 1155–1160. Accepted November 24, 2000. 2. Duvanel T, Harms M. Infantile Akropustulose. Hautarzt 1988; 39: 1–4. Markus Braun-Falco, Silke Stachowitz, Christina Schnopp, Johannes 3. Oranje AP, Wolkerstorfer A, de Waard-van der Spek FB. Treatment Ring and Dietrich Abeck of erythrodermic atopic dermatitis with ‘‘wet-wrap’’ uticasone Klinik und Poliklinik fu¨r Dermatologie und Allergologie am propionate 0,05% cream/emollient 1:1 dressing.
    [Show full text]
  • Cytomegalovirus Infection Associated with Portal Vein Thrombosis and Thrombocytopenia: a Case Report
    MÉDECINE INTERNE Cytomegalovirus infection associated with portal vein thrombosis and thrombocytopenia: a case report Gianfranco Di Prinzio1, Phung Nguyen Ung2, Anne-Sophie Valschaerts2, Olivier Borgniet2 CMV et Thrombose : We here present the case of portal vein thrombosis in a patient exhibiting symptoms of cytomegalovirus infection, confirmed by un binome sous-estimé serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and complicated by Le Cytomegalovirus (CMV) est thrombocytopenia. The literature reveals growing evidence that responsable d’une infection virale human CMV likely plays a role in thrombotic disorders. However, commune et souvent banale chez le only 11 cases of CMV-induced visceral venous thrombosis have been sujet immunocompétent, mais qui described so far. On the other hand, thrombocytopenia is a well- n’est pas dépourvue de complications potentiellement graves. La thrombose known complication of CMV infection. The patient was successfully porte en est un exemple. Le cas que treated using high-dose immunoglobulins by intravenous route. nous décrivons concerne une patiente atteinte d’une infection à CMV, s’étant révélée par une éruption cutanée et s’étant compliquée d’une thrombose porte, en l’absence de thrombophilie connue. Une thrombopénie auto- A 36-year-old Caucasian woman was admitted to the emergency room immune est la seconde complication of our hospital, complaining since several days of sore throat, cough, survenue dans notre cas. Cet article a pour but de souligner l’enjeu d’un tel fever, headache, and rhinorrhea. She had been unsuccessfully treated diagnostic et de stimuler la réflexion sur with amoxicillin-clavulanate during the week preceding her admission. l’intérêt du dépistage échographique The medication was stopped owing to gastric intolerance.
    [Show full text]
  • Pityriasis Rosea Following Influenza
    CORE Metadata, citation and similar papers at core.ac.uk Provided by Elsevier - Publisher Connector Available online at www.sciencedirect.com Journal of the Chinese Medical Association 74 (2011) 280e282 www.jcma-online.com Case Report Pityriasis rosea following influenza (H1N1) vaccination Jeng-Feng Chen, Chien-Ping Chiang, Yu-Fei Chen, Wei-Ming Wang* Department of Dermatology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC Received May 3, 2010; accepted November 13, 2010 Abstract Pityriasis rosea is a distinct papulosquamous skin eruption that has been attributed to viral reactivation, certain drug exposures or rarely, vaccination. Herein, we reported a clinicopathlogically typical case of pityriasis rosea that developed after the H1N1 vaccination. With a global H1N1 vaccination program against the pandemic H1N1 influenza, patients should be apprised of the possibility of such rare but benign skin reaction to avoid unnecessary fear. Furthermore, a brief review of the current reported skin adverse events related to the novel H1N1 vaccination in Taiwan is presented here. Copyright Ó 2011 Elsevier Taiwan LLC and the Chinese Medical Association. All rights reserved. Keywords: Adverse reaction; H1N1 vaccination; Pandemic; Pityriasis rosea 1. Introduction a herald skin lesion was spotted initially in his left upper thigh followed several days later by the onset of many itchy scaly Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, self-limited, papulosqu- lesions on his trunk and proximal extremities. The first herald amous skin eruption that occurs most commonly among patch developed five days after he underwent H1N1 vaccina- teenagers and young adults.1 Typical clinical presentation is tion (AdimFlu-S (A-H1N1), Adimmune, Taichung, Taiwan).
    [Show full text]
  • Fundamentals of Dermatology Describing Rashes and Lesions
    Dermatology for the Non-Dermatologist May 30 – June 3, 2018 - 1 - Fundamentals of Dermatology Describing Rashes and Lesions History remains ESSENTIAL to establish diagnosis – duration, treatments, prior history of skin conditions, drug use, systemic illness, etc., etc. Historical characteristics of lesions and rashes are also key elements of the description. Painful vs. painless? Pruritic? Burning sensation? Key descriptive elements – 1- definition and morphology of the lesion, 2- location and the extent of the disease. DEFINITIONS: Atrophy: Thinning of the epidermis and/or dermis causing a shiny appearance or fine wrinkling and/or depression of the skin (common causes: steroids, sudden weight gain, “stretch marks”) Bulla: Circumscribed superficial collection of fluid below or within the epidermis > 5mm (if <5mm vesicle), may be formed by the coalescence of vesicles (blister) Burrow: A linear, “threadlike” elevation of the skin, typically a few millimeters long. (scabies) Comedo: A plugged sebaceous follicle, such as closed (whitehead) & open comedones (blackhead) in acne Crust: Dried residue of serum, blood or pus (scab) Cyst: A circumscribed, usually slightly compressible, round, walled lesion, below the epidermis, may be filled with fluid or semi-solid material (sebaceous cyst, cystic acne) Dermatitis: nonspecific term for inflammation of the skin (many possible causes); may be a specific condition, e.g. atopic dermatitis Eczema: a generic term for acute or chronic inflammatory conditions of the skin. Typically appears erythematous,
    [Show full text]
  • Dermatology Dr Matt Smialowski GP, Tunbridge Wells Introduction
    Dermatology Dr Matt Smialowski GP, Tunbridge Wells Introduction . Overview of General Practice Dermatology . Based on curriculum matrix . Images from dermnet.nz . Management from dermnet.nz and NICE CKS . Focus on the common presenting complaints and overview of treatments . Quiz and Questions Dermatology Vocabulary . Useful to be able to describe the problem in notes / referrals . Configuration . Nummular / discoid: round or coin-shaped . Linear: often occurs due external factors (scratching) . Target: concentric rings . Annular: lesions grouped in a circle. Serpiginous: snake like . Reticulate: net-like with spaces Dermatology Vocabulary . Morphology . Macule: small area of skin 5-10mm, altered colour, not elevated . Patch: larger area of colour change, with smooth surface . Papule: elevated, solid, palpable <1cm diameter . Nodule: elevated, solid, palpable >1cm diameter . Cyst: papule or nodule that contains fluid / semi-fluid material . Plaque: circumscribed, palpable lesion >1cm diameter . Vesicle: small blister <1cm diameter that contains liquid . Pustule: circumscribed lesion containing pus (not always infected) . Bulla: Large blister >1cm diameter that contains fluid . Weal: transient elevation of the skin due to dermal oedema Skin Function . Prevention of water loss . Immune defence . Protection against UV damage . Temperature regulation . Synthesis of vitamin D . Sensation . Aesthetics Skin Structure Eczematous Eruptions Cheilitis / Peri-oral Dermatitis . Common problem . Acute / relapsing / recurrent . Causes . Chelitis . Environmental: sun damage . Inflammatory . Angular cheilits . Infection: fungal . Vitamin B / iron deficiency . Perioral dermatitis . Potent topical steroids Pompholyx . Vesicular form of hand or foot eczema. Commonly affects young adults. Causes . Sweating . Irritants . Recurrent crops of itchy deep-seated blisters. Pompholyx . General Measures . Cold packs . Soothing emollients . Gloves / avoid allergens . Prescription: . Potent topical steroids . Oral steroids .
    [Show full text]
  • Dlo130076.Pdf
    Letters Figure. Clinical Image of Pityriasis Rosea Box. Proposed Diagnostic Criteria for Pityriasis Roseaa A patient is diagnosed as having pityriasis rosea if: 1. On at least one occasion or clinical encounter, he/she has all the essential clinical features and at least one of the optional clinical features, and 2. On all occasions or clinical encounters related to the eruption, he/ she does not have any of the exclusional clinical features. The essential clinical features are: 1. Discrete circular or oval lesions, 2. Scaling on most lesions, and 3. Peripheral collarette scaling with central clearance on at least two lesions. The optional clinical features are: 1. Truncal and proximal limb distribution, with less than 10% of lesions distal to mid-upper-arm and mid-thigh, 2. Orientation of most lesions along skin cleavage lines, and 3. A herald patch (not necessarily the largest) appearing at least Skin lesions present on the groin, genitals, and pubic mound show multiple oval, two days before eruption of other lesions, noted from patient sharply defined, coalescent, scaly, annular plaques surrounded by erythema. history or from clinical observation. The exclusional clinical features are: Approximately 20% of patients present with atypical or vari- 1. Multiple small vesicles at the center of 2 or more lesions, ant forms of PR, which are less readily recognized than typical 2. Two or more lesions on palmar or plantar skin surfaces, and 3. Clinical or serologic evidence of secondary syphilis. eruptions and may pose a diagnostic challenge.2,3 The mor- phologic characteristics of the eruption may be papular, ve- a This outline was first published by Chuh and Zawar6 and is reproduced here sicular, purpuric or hemorrhagic, or urticarial.
    [Show full text]
  • 3.2.3 Gardasil and Autoimmune Diseases
    HPV vaccination and autoimmune disease CONFIDENTIAL Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee Meeting date 10 September 2015 Agenda item 3.2.3 Title Gardasil and autoimmune diseases Medsafe For advice/ Submitted by Paper type Pharmacovigilance Team For information Active constituent Medicines Sponsors Human papillomavirus type 6 L1 protein, type 11 Gardasil Bio CSL for MSD L1 protein, type 16 L1 protein and type 18 L1 protein Funding Fully funded for girls aged under 18 years or patients aged under 25 years old with confirmed HIV infection or in transplant patients. Previous MARC Gardasil has only been discussed previously in relation to CARM case meetings reports. International action The EMA have announced an investigation into HPV vaccine and complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS). This review will complete at the end of the year. Prescriber Update None Schedule Prescription medicine Usage data Over 200,000 girls and women have received at least one dose in NZ Worldwide cumulative exposure post-marketing, to the end of May 2015 was 63.6 million. Cumulative exposure in clinical trials was 29,932 Advice sought The Committee is asked to advise whether: − There is a safety concern relating to development of autoimmune conditions after HPV vaccination Medicines Adverse Reactions Committee: 10 September 2015 Page 1 of 46 HPV vaccination and autoimmune disease CONFIDENTIAL Table of Contents 1.0 PURPOSE .................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • An Unusual Skin Manifestation by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Without Pulmonary Infection
    Journal of Dermatology Research Open Access Case Report An Unusual Skin Manifestation by Mycoplasma Pneumoniae without Pulmonary Infection Hsuan-Hsiang Chen1* 1Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital and National Taiwan University College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan *Corresponding Author: Hsuan-Hsiang Chen, MD, Department of Dermatology, National Taiwan University Hospital, 7, Chung-Shan South Road, Taipei, Taiwan; E-mail: [email protected] Received Date: 15-10-2020; Accepted Date: 05-11-2020; Published Date: 13-11-2020 Copyright© 2020 by Chen HH. All rights reserved. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. Abstract Pulmonary infections are often caused by Mycoplasma pneumoniae. However, extra pulmonary manifestations are also reported. Mycoplasma pneumonia associated severe mucositis with relative few skin rash has recently been described as a new clinical disease named Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Induced Rash and Mucositis (MIRM). A 14-year-old girl who developed exuberant mucositis, as well as multiple tense bullae and several targetoid lesions were found on the face, trunk and 4 limbs, but no obvious pulmonary manifestation was found. The laboratory examinations showed elevated M. pneumoniae IgM antibodies. Due to this unique clinical presentation, MIRM was considered and differentiated from Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN), Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS), or Erythema Multiforme (EM). MIRM may be reconsidered as a specific cutaneous manifestation with or without pulmonary infection. Keywords Mycoplasma Pneumoniae; Mucositis; Erythema Multiforme Chen HH | Volume 1; Issue 3 (2020) | JDR-1(3)-013 | Case Report Citation: Chen HH.
    [Show full text]
  • Pityriasis Rosea
    BMJ 2015;351:h5233 doi: 10.1136/bmj.h5233 (Published 29 October 2015) Page 1 of 6 Practice PRACTICE PRACTICE POINTER Pityriasis rosea Samantha Eisman consultant dermatologist, Rodney Sinclair professor in dermatology Sinclair Dermatology, Melbourne, VIC, 3002, Australia Pityriasis rosea is an acute exanthem that may cause patients great anxiety but is self limiting and resolves within one to three How does pityriasis rosea present? months.1 It is a distinctive erythematous oval scaly eruption of Pityriasis rosea begins in 40-76% of patients with a single herald the trunk and limbs, with minimal constitutional symptoms. patch—an asymptomatic thin oval scaly plaque often on the What causes pityriasis rosea? trunk (fig 1⇓).7 Multiple herald patches may also occur.8 The patch is usually well demarcated, 2-4 cm in diameter, The cause of pityriasis rosea is uncertain but epidemiological erythematous, salmon coloured, or hyperpigmented. A fine (seasonal variation and clustering in communities) and clinical collarette of scale is attached to the periphery of the plaque with features suggest an infective agent. Light and electron its free edge extending internally. Within days to three weeks microscopy findings suggest infection with human herpesviruses 2 the second phase begins—the appearance of numerous smaller 6 and 7 (HHV-6/7). These viral antigens have been detected lesions, which are similar in configuration but occur along the in skin lesions by immunohistochemistry and their DNA has lines of cleavage of the trunk (Christmas tree pattern; figs 2⇓ been isolated from non-lesional skin, peripheral blood 3 and 3⇓). The rash typically lasts five weeks; it resolves within mononuclear cells, serum, and saliva samples.
    [Show full text]
  • Pityriasis Rosea DANIEL L
    CARING FOR COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS Pityriasis Rosea DANIEL L. STULBERG, M.D., Utah Valley Regional Medical Center, Provo, Utah JEFF WOLFREY, M.D., Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona Pityriasis rosea is a common, acute exanthem of uncertain etiology. Viral and bacterial causes have been sought, but convincing answers have not yet been found. Pityriasis O A patient informa- rosea typically affects children and young adults. It is characterized by an initial herald tion handout on pityriasis rosea, written patch, followed by the development of a diffuse papulosquamous rash. The herald by the authors of this patch often is misdiagnosed as eczema. Pityriasis rosea is difficult to identify until the article, is provided on appearance of characteristic smaller secondary lesions that follow Langer’s lines (cleav- page 94. age lines). Several medications can cause a rash similar to pityriasis rosea, and several diseases, including secondary syphilis, are included in the differential diagnosis. One small controlled trial reported faster clearing of the exanthem with the use of ery- thromycin, but the mechanism of effect is unknown. Resolution of the rash may be has- tened by ultraviolet light therapy but not without the risk of hyperpigmentation. Top- ical or systemic steroids and antihistamines often are used to relieve itching. (Am Fam Physician 2004;69:87-92,94. Copyright© 2004 American Academy of Family Physicians.) This article is one in a ityriasis rosea is a common skin cytes, a decrease in T lymphocytes, and an ele- series coordinated by condition characterized by a her- vated sedimentation rate.6 Daniel L. Stulberg, M.D., director of der- ald patch and the later appear- Unfortunately, even though electron matology curriculum at ance of lesions arrayed along microscopy shows some viral changes and the Utah Valley Family Langer’s lines (cleavage lines).
    [Show full text]