Published online Jun 16, 2017. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v5.i6.203
Peer-review started: February 9, 2017
First decision: March 7, 2017
Revised: March 21, 2017
Accepted: April 18, 2017
Article in press: April 19, 2017
Published online: June 16, 2017
Processing time: 137 Days and 11.7 Hours
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common erythemato-squamous dermatosis which almost always, is easily diagnosed. Mostly the disease presents in its classical form. However, clinical dermatology is all about variations and PR is not an exception. Variants of the disease in some cases may be troublesome to diagnose and confuse clinicians. Prompt diagnosis and treatment of the condition becomes necessary to avoid unnecessary investigations. We hereby review and illustrate atypical presentations of the disease, including diverse forms of location and morphology of the lesions, the course of the eruption, and its differential diagnoses.
Core tip: Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common, self-limited disease which in its typical form should not raise diagnostic doubts. Atypical forms represent 20% of cases, with diverse variants with respect to morphology and location of lesions, and evolution of the disease. Recognition of these forms may avoid unnecessary procedures. Drug ingestion may simulate PR in some cases.