is it highly contagious?
2006-09-14 14:27:21 · 2 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ Alternative Medicine
this site gives quite a detailed write up of the condition, hope it helps http://www.emedicine.com/EMERG/topic426.htm
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.
In the US: 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%.
Internationally: 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.
Mortality/Morbidity: PR is a self-limited benign illness
2006-09-14 23:42:53 · answer #1 · answered by Eden* 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
contagiuos, yes, but otherwise a very treatable fungal skin infection
2006-09-14 14:30:40 · answer #2 · answered by HK3738 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋