Pityriasis rosea ... Pityriasis rosea is a type of skin rash. [2] Classically, it begins with a single red and slightly scaly area known as a "herald patch".

Understanding the Context

[2] This is then followed, days to weeks later, by an eruption of many smaller scaly spots; pinkish with a red edge in people with light skin and greyish in darker skin. [4] Pityriasis rosea is a disease that causes the formation of many small patches of scaly, rose-colored or tan-colored patches on the skin. Pityriasis rosea may be caused by a viral infection. Pityriasis rosea (pih-tuh-RY-uh-sis ROH-zee-uh) is a common skin condition that causes patches of your skin to develop raised, scaly rashes.

Key Insights

It may appear on any part of your body, but it usually appears on the trunk (torso), arms and legs. What is pityriasis rosea? Pityriasis rosea is a type of skin rash. It is also called Christmas tree rash. It starts with 1 large, scaly patch.

Final Thoughts

It may be round or oval. This is called the herald patch. It then causes many more small patches. The rash most often appears on the chest, back, and belly. It can take 1 to 3 months to go away. Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, self-limited, exanthematous skin disease characterized by the appearance of slightly inflammatory, oval, papulosquamous lesions on the trunk and proximal areas of the extremities (picture 1A-E).

The diagnosis and management of this disorder are reviewed here. Yes, it’s possible to experience a Pityriasis rosea rash that doesn’t itch. Experts suggest that 1 in 4 people with Pityriasis rosea experience itching, which could range from mild to severe. That ...