Pityriasis rosea on the chest
Pityriasis rosea on the chest
Pityriasis rosea on the chest and abdomen
Pityriasis rosea on the chest and abdomen


Pityriasis rosea

Definition:
Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder involving a characteristic rash.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
This disorder is a common skin rash of young people, especially young adults. It occurs most commonly in the fall and spring, and a virus is suspected as the cause. Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious.

Attacks generally last 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms may disappear by 3 weeks or last as long as 12 weeks. There is generally a single larger patch called a herald patch followed several days later by more a rash. Although the disorder usually resolves in time, a health care provider should be consulted to rule out other disorders including syphilis.


Review Date: 4/15/2003
Reviewed By: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2003 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.