Pityriasis rosea Gibert is a common, benign and non-contagious skin disease, characterized by the gradual appearance of numerous red spots, mainly on the trunk and at the root of the arms and legs. It heals spontaneously, without after-effects.

HOW DOES PITYRIASIS ROSÉ DE GIBERT APPEAR?

A single, round or oval lesion, two to six centimeters in diameter, most often appears on the trunk. This spot is called the initial medallion and has a pale, wrinkled center and a redder peripheral area that peels slightly at the edges. This rash is exceptionally preceded by a slight fever, headaches or malaise.

After 2 to 21 days, other lesions appear in successive waves spaced a few days apart. They resemble the initial medallion but are smaller and mainly affect the trunk, upper legs and arms. On the back, they sometimes form lines that descend towards the bottom and outside of the body (typical "Christmas tree" distribution). This period lasts a few weeks and has three phases:

A phase of appearance: the number of lesions increases.
A stabilization phase: the number of lesions, sometimes up to a hundred, is stable.
A regression phase: the lesions disappear.
Generally, the lesions do not itch or hardly itch.

WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE DISEASE?

The origin of the disease is not certain. It could be viral, particularly linked to the presence of viruses from the herpes family. However, pityriasis rosea is not contagious.

The disease is common, and mainly affects adolescents and young adults (between 10 and 35 years old), most often female, in spring or autumn.

HOW IS PITYRIASIS ROSÉ DE GIBERT DIAGNOSED?

Your dermatologist will make the diagnosis mainly based on observation of the lesions and knowing the history of their appearance.

He may prescribe a blood test to ensure that it is not another infection, such as syphilis or HIV infection, or a mycological sample to exclude a disease linked to a fungus (mycosis). A mycological sample consists of collecting, with a curette or a piece of adhesive tape, the small flakes that are on the surface of the lesions and analyzing them.

HOW IS IT MANAGED?

In the majority of cases, the condition will heal on its own, in 4 to 8 weeks (maximum 3 months), without any treatment being necessary. If your lesions itch significantly, your dermatologist may nevertheless prescribe a soothing, emollient cream or one containing cortisone, or even antihistamines.

WILL THE LESIONS LEAVE MARKS?

The lesions are likely to leave pigmented or discolored spots in people with dark skin. The marks disappear over time.

WHAT PRECAUTIONS SHOULD I TAKE?

Avoid attacking your skin with soaps or irritating products.
Even if pityriasis rosea heals spontaneously, it is useful to consult a dermatologist to ensure that it is not another disease that would require treatment. Contact him again if the lesions have not disappeared after 3 months.