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Pityriasis rosea
Definition:
Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder with a characteristic rash. Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
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This disorder is a common skin rash of young people, especially young adults. It occurs most commonly in the fall and spring, and a virus is suspected as the cause. Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious. Attacks generally last 4 - 8 weeks. Symptoms may disappear by 3 weeks or last as long as 12 weeks. There is generally a single larger patch called a herald patch followed several days later by more a rash. Although the disorder usually resolves in time, a health care provider should be consulted to rule out other disorders including syphilis.
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