Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is an acute viral rash associated with reactivation of latent human herpersvirus types 6 and 7. The rash is characterized by the appearance of an initial lesion, called a herald patch, followed by additional smaller lesions of a similar appearance, primarily on the trunk. Pityriasis rosea lesions are oval, salmon-colored patches and plaques with central scale. The onset of the rash is sometimes preceded by symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection. Pityriasis rosea is self-limiting, and does not require treatment unless patients require symptomatic relief. Oral antivirals initiated within the first week of symptoms are associated with speedier clearance of the rash. For most people there are no complications associated with the condition; however, women in their first 20 weeks of pregnancy who get pityriasis rosea experience higher rates of miscarriage, premature delivery, and perinatal problems.