DERMATOLOGY Pityriasis Rosea in Children A

Pityriasis rosea is a common disorder of unknown etiology that may simulate a number of other dermatologic entities. Secondary syphilis should always be ruled out, particularly in ad-olescents. Pruritus occurs more frequently than is generally appreciated. The herald patch may not always be present. Secondary lesions occasionally occur distal to the elbows and knees and on the face. Over the more proximal parts of the body the secondary lesions will characteris-tically align themselves with the long axis following the skin lines of cleavage. The natural course is that of spontaneous resolution within 6 to 8 weeks. Sequelae are rare and usually medically insignificant. Management with oral antipruritics and/or topical steroids may be necessary to relieve the itching. Editor’s Note: When the author was queried about his interest in writing this paper he responded: "I have been impressed with how much confusion this disorder has created for physicians who are not entirely familiar with its manifestations. Of particular note has been the relatively large number of children I have seen who have been kept out of school so that they would not be ’contagious t