I broke out with a case of it a couple weeks ago. It was pretty freaky until my dermatolagist told me what it was. It is pretty benign... I just have to deal with spots for 6-8 weeks.
:AGG:Background
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute and characteristic exanthem that has been described for more than 2 centuries. Initially, a primary plaque, called a herald patch, is seen. The herald patch is followed by a distinctive, generalized rash 1-2 weeks later. The rash lasts approximately 2-6 weeks.
Pathophysiology
The primary plaque is seen on the skin in 50-90% of cases a week or more before the onset of the eruption of smaller lesions. This secondary eruption occurs 2-21 days later in crops following the lines of cleavage of the skin. On the back, this eruption produces a "Christmas tree" pattern.
Frequency
United States
The overall prevalence of PR has been calculated to be 0.13% in men and 0.14% in women. The prevalence reported at dermatologic centers has been between 0.3 and 3%.
International
An increase in the prevalence of PR has been reported in Uganda. No change in the prevalence of PR has been reported in Sweden. It has also been seen in the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Sudan, Brazil, Lagos, Singapore, Turkey, Kuwait, and Hong Kong.
