Disease directory
Pityriasis rosea
Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026
Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Overview
- Definition and synonyms
- Pityriasis rosea (PR), or Gibert’s pityriasis rosea , is an acute, self-limiting papulosquamous rash, probably related to reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV-6/HHV-7), characterized by a «herald patch» followed by multiple oval maculopapules with a scaly collarette on the trunk and proximal extremities. (Mahajan 2016 , Leung 2021 , Drago 2016 , Villalon-Gomez 2018)
Synonyms: “Gibert’s disease”, Gibert disease , pityriasis rosea .
- Pityriasis rosea (PR), or Gibert’s pityriasis rosea , is an acute, self-limiting papulosquamous rash, probably related to reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 and 7 (HHV-6/HHV-7), characterized by a «herald patch» followed by multiple oval maculopapules with a scaly collarette on the trunk and proximal extremities. (Mahajan 2016 , Leung 2021 , Drago 2016 , Villalon-Gomez 2018)
- History
- Pityriasis rosea was probably initially described by Robert Willan under different terminology in the late 18th century; the classic description and name “pityriasis rosea” are attributed to Camille-Melchior Gibert (1860). Mahajan 2016 , Drago 2009
- Since then, numerous clinical variants and epidemiological series have been described that support an infectious origin. Chuh 2005 , Mahajan 2016
- Epidemiology
- Frequent: It represents up to ~2% of dermatology consultations in some hospital series. Mahajan 2016 , Leung 2021
- Age: peak between 10–35 years; also common in adolescents and young adults. Leung 2021 , Villalon-Gomez 2018
- Sex: no clear predominance; some series show a slight female predominance, others a male predominance (e.g., an Indian series with a male:female ratio of 1.3:1). Leung 2021 , Chhabra 2018
- Geographic distribution: worldwide, described in multiple continents and ethnic groups. Mahajan 2016 , Leung 2021
- Seasonality and clustering: peaks are observed in spring and autumn, and temporal clustering of cases in different countries, supporting an infectious etiology. Chuh 2005 , Drago 2009
- Codes
- CD-10: L42 – Pityriasis rosea
- ICD-11: EA10 – Pityriasis rosea (papulosquamous disorders attributable to viral infection)
- Diagnostic checklist (quick)
- Essential clinic
- Acute papulosquamous rash on trunk/proximal parts of limbs.
- Herald plate present (ideal) or typical history of major initial injury.
- Langer line layout (“Christmas tree”).
- Mild-moderate pruritus, absent or mild systemic symptoms.
- Absence of palmoplantar involvement, marked facial involvement, or ulcerated mucous membranes.
- Historical data
- Age 10–35 years.
- Expected duration <10–12 weeks.
- No recent use of drugs strongly implicated in PR-like events (ACE inhibitors, gold, certain biologics, ibrutinib, etc.). Drago 2018
- In women of childbearing age: rule out or confirm pregnancy.
- Minimum laboratory/office requirements (depending on context)
- VDRL/RPR (± treponemal test) if there are doubts or risk factors.
- Direct KOH if tinea corporis is suspected.
- HIV according to local practices and risk.
- If systemic acyclovir is planned: serum creatinine ± basic profile.
- Biopsy
- Only if atypical presentation, prolonged course, very purpuric/vesicular lesions or doubt with PLC/LCCT.
- Punch 4–5 mm of recent secondary injury, sent in 10% formalin.
- Essential clinic
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