Pityriasis rosea

Abstract

Pityriasis rosea is a common self limiting condition seen in children and adolescents characterized by appearance of herald patch followed by skin lesions along the Langer 's line. Exact etiology is not known. Viral etiology has been proposed and may present without any symptoms to mild itching and rarely severe itching and lasts up to 8 weeks. The disease has to be differentiated from other conditions such as secondary syphilis, drug eruption, tinea corporis, erythema multiforme, etc. It is usually a clinical diagnosis in which reassurance of the patient and parents are important. Topical steroids and oral antihistamines are used. Erythromycin orally and acyclovir have been tried to shorten the course of the disease.