Pityriasis Rosea: A rash that should be recognized by the primary care physician. Study of 30 cases

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis rosea is an acute disseminated rash of unknown etiology and prolonged duration, characterized by erythematous- squamous plaques. Despite having an ostentatious clinical picture for both the patient and family, it is self-limited and usually resolves without sequelae. Pityriasis rosea is often erroneously diagnosed as mycosis and given unnecessary treatment. Objective: To describe the clinical and demographical features of pity- riasis rosea in a group of Mexican pediatric patients. Patients and methods: Retrospective and descriptive study in which the clinical and demographic features of patients attended at the department of dermatology of the National Institute of Pediatrics with diagnosis of pityriasis rosea within a ten year period were analysed. Results: Thirty patients with pityriasis rosea, with a frequency of 3.6 per 1000 dermatological patients. Pityriasis rosea was more frequent in females with a ratio of 1.5 to 1 and a mean age of 10 years. More than half of the patients (56%) had an atypical presentation, and biopsy was mandatory in 7 patients to establish the final diagnosis. Conclusions: The knowledge of the clinical features of pityriasis rosea by primary care physicians will prevent from unnecessary work-up and treatments.

Keywords

• pitiriasis rosada
• exantema
• medallón heráldico