Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a very common skin disease that has no treatment because it is self-healing in nature. It is also called Gibert's pityriasis rosea after the dermatologist who discovered it.

What causes it?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is not truly known. It is believed to be caused by some transmissible agent, such as a virus. Its benign nature means that it is not decisive to know the cause.

What does the rash look like?

It usually appears in young people, beginning with an initial skin lesion in the form of a red, ring-shaped plaque, accompanied by little. After this first injury, the rest of the rash appears, which is made up of smaller, oval-shaped red plaques, especially on the chest and back. Although the rash can be very bulky and obvious, it is not usually itchy and does not affect the face.

Altogether, the rash lasts between 4 and 8 weeks and goes away without any treatment.

Can it cause any complications?

Pityriasis rosea disappears without treatment and does not cause any sequelae or complications. It is frequent that it happens in women, and it does not have any consequence for the fetus.

How is it diagnosed?

In general, dermatologists diagnose pityriasis rosea with a simple visual examination. The appearance of the disease is very characteristic, and it is very rare that a biopsy or other tests are needed to confirm the diagnosis. In any case, the dermatologist can indicate them if he wants to rule out other diseases that may be similar to pityriasis rosea.

How should it be treated?

As we have already said, it does not require any treatment. At most, the dermatologist will indicate to hydrate the skin and control itching, if it exists, with antihistamines in pills.

• Pityriasis rosea is a very common skin disease, the cause of which is unknown.
• The risk groups are young people and pregnant women.
• It appears in two stages: a first initial lesion and the subsequent eruption that lasts between 4 and 8 weeks, disappearing without any treatment.