
The initial manifestation of Pityriasis Rosea is commonly a salmon-colored herald patch
By John Joseph Pack MD
Published on 05/10/2026
Pityriasis Rosea is a papulosquamous eruption, thought to be viral in origin, that occurs most commonly in the spring and fall, often in 10–35-year-olds. The initial lesion is often the largest, measuring 2-6 cm’s in size and often presenting on the trunk as an oval, salmon-colored lesion with central scale, and called a herald patch. Several days to weeks later, a secondary rash occurs in a “Christmas tree” distribution, which occur along skin tension lines, or Langer’s Lines. Langer’s Lines are topological lines that reflect the predominant orientation of collagen bundle fibers and are important elements in plastic surgery as incisions made parallel to Langer’s Lines tend to have better cosmetic outcomes. Lesions typically last 6-8 weeks, can be slightly pruritic, and treatment is supportive. Secondary syphilis must be ruled out. Unlike syphilis, in Pityriasis Rosea, lesions on the palms and soles are uncommon.

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