MedComic

Pityriasis Rosea

Jorge Muniz ·
Educational medical illustration of pityriasis rosea showing the herald patch (erythematous oval plaque with collarette of scale), the subsequent Christmas tree pattern distribution on the trunk following skin cleavage lines, and association with human herpesvirus HHV-6 and HHV-7
Illustrated guide to pityriasis rosea — an acute self-limited skin eruption featuring a herald patch followed by a characteristic Christmas tree distribution, with treatment options. Proprietary medical illustration by Jorge Muniz, PA-C.
  • Pityriasis rosea is an acute, self-limited eruption of oval, scaly papules and plaques with a distinctive morphology
  • Females affected more frequently than males
  • Most common in teenagers and young adults
  • Peaks during spring and fall seasons
  • The most probable cause has been attributed to reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV-6 and HHV-7)
  • Pityriasis rosea begins with a single lesion known as a "herald" patch, usually located on the trunk
    • Erythematous, oval plaque
    • Collarette of scale inside the border
  • 1-2 weeks after the herald patch, a characteristic rash appears on the torso
    • Follows cleavage lines in a "Christmas tree" pattern
    • May be accompanied by pruritus
  • Spontaneous resolution in approximately 6 weeks
  • Often requires no treatment
    • Sunlight or UVB phototherapy (most effective if started within first week)
    • Lotions for symptom relief
    • Oral antihistamines for itching
    • Topical glucocorticoids for itching

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