Dr. Alai is an actively practicing medical and surgical dermatologist in south Orange County, California. She has been a professor of dermatology and family medicine at the University of California, Irvine since 2000. She is U.S. board-certified in dermatology, a 10-year-certified fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, and Fellow of the American Society of Mohs Surgery.
Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.
Pityriasis rosea is a common rash usually seen in individuals between the
ages of 10 to 35 years old. The rash typically lasts six to eight weeks, rarely
extending 12 weeks or longer. Once a person has pityriasis rosea, it
generally does not recur in their lifetime.
Pityriasis rosea characteristically begins as an asymptomatic single, large
pink patch called the "herald patch" or mother patch, measuring 2-10 centimeters.
The herald patch is a dry, pink to red patch which appears on the back, chest,
or neck and has a well-defined, scaly border.
One to two weeks following the initial appearance of the herald patch, a
person will then develop many smaller pink patches across their trunk, arms,
and legs. The second stage of pityriasis rosea erupts with a large number of
oval spots, ranging in diameter from 0.5 centimeter (size of a pencil eraser)
to 1.5 centimeters (size of a peanut). The individual spots form a symmetrical
"Christmas tree" pattern following lines of cleavage. This rash is usually
limited to the trunk, arms, and legs, rarely occurring on the face and neck.
Pityriasis rosea generally spares the face, hands, and feet.
Who gets pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is, for the most part, equally common between the two sexes,
although there is a slightly higher occurrence reported in women. It generally
occurs in children and young adults between 10-35 years of age.
Pityriasis rosea has no racial predominance. Most people only get pityriasis once in
their lifetime, although it is theoretically possible to have it more than once.
What are signs and symptoms of pityriasis rosea?
Most people do not notice any symptoms with pityriasis rosea except for the
appearance of the rash itself. Mild, intermittent itching is reported in about
50% of individuals affected, especially when people become overheated from
exercise or hot showers. Itching seems to increase with stress. Sometimes
pityriasis is accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fatigue,
nausea, aching, and decreased appetite. Most people are otherwise in very good
health and don't feel any other symptoms.
The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. The way people use this term, "a rash" can refer to many different skin conditions. The most common of these are scaly patches of skin and red, itchy bumps or patches all over the place.
Itching can be a common problem. Itches can be localized or generalized. There are many causes of itching to include: infection (jock itch, vaginal itch), disease (hyperthyroidism, liver or kidney), reactions to drugs, and skin infestations (pubic or body lice). Treatment for itching varies depending on the cause of the itch.
A skin biopsy is the removal of a piece of skin for the purpose of further
examination in the laboratory using a microscope. Skin biopsies are performed to
diagnose a number of conditions.
Why is a skin biopsy performed?
Skin biopsy is most frequently done to diagnose a skin growth such as a mole,
or a skin condition such as a rash. A skin biopsy can also be used to diagnose a
cancer of the skin. A skin biopsy may be indicated when a mole or other marking
on the skin has changed in its shape, color, or size. A skin biopsy is also
sometimes used to diagnose infections of the skin.
What methods are used to obtain a skin biopsy?
Different techniques are used in different situations. Typically the biopsies
are obtained using local anesthetics.
A shave biopsy takes a thin slice off the
top of the skin and can be used to remove superficial abnorm...
Skin RSS
Healthy Living Tips
This site complies with the