Pityriasis Rosea is a self-limiting, mild skin rash characterized by oval, pink, scaly patches, mainly affecting the trunk and limbs. It often starts with a single large "Herald Patch", followed by a Christmas tree-like rash on the back.
Mnemonic: "P.I.T.Y.R.I.A.S.I.S. = Pink Itchy Trunk rAsh
Resembling Inverted Affected Symmetrical Irritated Skin"
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
- Unknown Exact Cause (Idiopathic).
- Possible Viral Infection (HHV-6 & HHV-7 – Human Herpes Virus).
- More Common in Young Adults (10–35 Years).
- More Frequent in Spring & Summer.
Mnemonic: "V.Y.S." (Viral, Young Adults, Seasonal –
Spring/Summer)
CLINICAL FEATURES OF PITYRIASIS
ROSEA
- Starts with a Herald Patch (Large, Oval, Pink Lesion with Scaling Border).
- 1-2 Weeks Later → Smaller Oval Lesions Appear on Trunk & Limbs.
- "Christmas Tree" Pattern on Back.
- Mild Itching (Pruritus).
- Usually Resolves in 6–8 Weeks Without Scarring.
Mnemonic: "H.C.P.I." (Herald Patch, Christmas Tree,
Pruritus, Itching)
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF
PITYRIASIS ROSEA
- Pityriasis Versicolor (Caused by Malassezia Yeast, Hypopigmented Patches).
- Tinea Corporis (Fungal Infection, More Circular with Raised Border).
- Secondary Syphilis (Similar Rash, But Positive VDRL Test).
- Drug Reactions (Widespread Rash Without Herald Patch).
Mnemonic: "P.T.S.D." (Pityriasis Versicolor, Tinea,
Syphilis, Drug Reaction)
DIAGNOSIS OF PITYRIASIS ROSEA
- Clinical Examination (Herald Patch + Christmas Tree Rash).
- Wood’s Lamp (To Differentiate from Fungal Infections).
- Serology (VDRL Test to Rule Out Secondary Syphilis).
Mnemonic: "C.W.S." (Clinical, Wood’s Lamp, Serology)
TREATMENT OF PITYRIASIS ROSEA
- No Specific Treatment – Self-Resolving in 6-8 Weeks.
- Topical Emollients (Moisturizers for Dryness).
- Mild Topical Steroids (Hydrocortisone for Itching).
- Oral Antihistamines (Cetirizine for Severe Itching).
- UV Therapy (Sunlight or UVB for Faster Healing).
- Oral Erythromycin & Acyclovir (Some Studies Suggest Faster Recovery).
Mnemonic: "S.E.S.A.U." (Self-Resolving, Emollients,
Steroids, Antihistamines, UV Therapy)
HOMOEOPATHIC MANAGEMENT OF PITYRIASIS ROSEA
For Early Rash & Itching:Sulphur, Rhus Tox, Dulcamara, Apis.
For Dry, Scaly Skin:
Graphites, Petroleum, Arsenicum Album.
For Severe Itching & Burning:
Mezereum, Urtica Urens, Natrum Mur.
For Recurrent Pityriasis Rosea:
Thuja, Psorinum, Natrum Sulph.
Mnemonic: "S.R.G.M." (Sulphur, Rhus Tox, Graphites,
Mezereum for Key Symptoms)
FINAL REVISION WITH MNEMONICS
Definition = "P.I.T.Y.R.I.A.S.I.S. = Pink Itchy Trunk rAsh
Resembling Inverted Affected Symmetrical Irritated Skin"
Causes = "V.Y.S." (Viral, Young Adults, Seasonal –
Spring/Summer)
Clinical Features = "H.C.P.I." (Herald Patch, Christmas Tree,
Pruritus, Itching)
Differential = "P.T.S.D." (Pityriasis Versicolor, Tinea,
Syphilis, Drug Reaction)
Diagnosis = "C.W.S." (Clinical, Wood’s Lamp, Serology)
Treatment = "S.E.S.A.U." (Self-Resolving, Emollients, Steroids,
Antihistamines, UV Therapy)
Homeopathy = "S.R.G.M." (Sulphur, Rhus Tox, Graphites, Mezereum
for Key Symptoms)
.jpeg)