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.
The most common symptoms are itching and an initial large, tan-colored or rose-colored circular patch that is followed by multiple patches that appear on the torso.
The diagnosis is based on symptoms.
This disease usually resolves with no treatment, and itching that is not severe may be alleviated with artificial or natural sunlight.
The cause of pityriasis rosea is not certain, but an infection with human herpesvirus type 6, 7, or 8 may be involved. However, the disorder is not thought to be contagious. Pityriasis rosea most commonly occurs in people between the ages of 10 and 35 years. Pityriasis rosea affects women more often than men.
Women who develop pityriasis rosea during pregnancy (especially during the first 15 weeks of gestation) may have a premature or stillborn baby.