Pityriasis rosea Gibert triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection: A case report.

RATIONALE: Pityriasis rosea Gibert is an erythematous-papulosquamous dermatosis that frequently occurs in young adults. The etiopathogenesis of PR is still unknown, but is frequently associated with episodes of upper respiratory tract infections. It is likely that a new viral trigger of pityriasis rosea is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). PATIENT CONCERNS: We present the case of a female patient in whom the diagnosis of pityriasis rosea led to the investigation and diagnosis of the SARS-CoV-2 infection. The patient presented to the Department of Dermatology for a 3 week duration of an extremely pruritic erythematous-squamous lesion, initially on the trunk and upper limbs, with extension to the lower limbs in the last week and the lesion respected the cephalic extremity, palms, and soles. One week before the rash, respiratory tract infection symptomatology was observed by the patient. At home, she underwent systemic treatment with antihistamines and topical medication with dermatocorticosteroids. The evolution was unfavorable, with the spread of the lesions and the accentuation of the pruritus. DIAGNOSES: Considering the actual epidemiological context, we performed a real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay from nasal and pharyngeal swabs for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) to investigate the PR etiology. The patient had a positive RT-PCR result, and was confirmed with SARS-CoV-2 infection. INTERVENTIONS: Treatment was initiated with systemic corticosteroid therapy - hydrocortisone hemisuccinate 200 mg/day for 7 days, and loratadine 10 mg 2 times a day. Also, topical medication with dermatocorticosteroids and emollients was associated. OUTCOME: Under the treatment that was initiated a partial remission of the lesions after 7 days was observed. LESSONS: Our reported case adds to the other findings regarding the association of PR with SARS-CoV-2 infection, in the context of the pandemic, suggesting the need to test patients with PR skin lesions for SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Skin manifestations of COVID-19 in children: Part 3.

The current COVID-19 pandemic is caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus. The initial recognized symptoms were respiratory, sometimes culminating in severe respiratory distress requiring ventilation, and causing death in a percentage of those infected. As time has passed, other symptoms have been recognized. The initial reports of cutaneous manifestations were from Italian dermatologists, probably because Italy was the first European country to be heavily affected by the pandemic. The overall clinical presentation, course and outcome of SARS-CoV-2 infection in children differ from those in adults as do the cutaneous manifestations of childhood. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19 in children after thorough and critical review of articles published in the literature and from the personal experience of a large panel of paediatric dermatologists in Europe. In Part 1, we discuss one of the first and most widespread cutaneous manifestations of COVID-19, chilblain-like lesions, and in Part 2 we expanded to other manifestations, including erythema multiforme, urticaria and Kawasaki disease-like inflammatory multisystemic syndrome. In this part of the review, we discuss the histological findings of COVID-19 manifestations, and the testing and management of infected children for both COVID-19 and any other pre-existing conditions.

HHV 6-7 reactivation causing Pityriasis Rosea and labyrinthitis: A case report.

Pityriasis Rosea (PR) and labyrinthitis are most commonly caused by viral infections. PR presents with a characteristic rash while labyrinthitis presents with vertigo, tinnitus and hearing loss. However, the coexistence of PR and Labyrinthitis remains an uncommon event. Human Herpes Virus (HHV) 6 and 7, are common infections in childhood, and their reactivation causes Pityriasis Rosea. But these viruses are not known to have any involvement with the inner ear or the 8th cranial nerve (CN).

The clinics of HHV-6 infection in COVID-19 pandemic: Pityriasis rosea and Kawasaki disease.

A new type of coronavirus family (SARS-CoV-2), which can be found in humans and animals, with many varieties and clinical symptoms, was first seen in Wuhan, China in late 2019, under the name novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). In the literature, cutaneous symptoms related to the disease are generally emphasized. However, it is not yet known whether this new SARS-CoV-2 virus, which has entered our lives, plays a role in the etiopathogenesis of dermatological diseases. The patients who were admitted to the dermatology outpatient clinic between 1 April and 15 May 2019, and on 1 April and 15 May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed by searching the hospital automation system and patient files. The reason for the same months to be included in the study was to exclude seasonal effects on the diseases. After pandemic, the number of patients with Pityriasis rosea and Kawasaki disease increased significantly in patients who applied to the dermatology outpatient clinic. Our study is the first study showing Pityriasis rosea increase during the pandemic period. We think that this increase is related to HHV-6 reactivation. Herein, we wanted to draw attention to two diseases in which Human Herpes 6 (HHV-6) was accused in etiopathogenesis: Kawasaki disease and Pityriasis rosea.

Pityriasis rosea: elucidation of environmental factors in modulated autoagressive etiology and dengue virus infection.

INTRODUCTION: A retrospective epidemiological study was conducted to study seasonal variation in the incidence of pityriasis rosea (PR) and its temporal association with various meteorological variables, and dengue virus infection. METHODS: The study was conducted at a tertiary referral center in Guwahati, Assam, India. We searched for and retrieved all medical records of patients diagnosed with PR by dermatologists from December 1st, 2014 to July 31st, 2017. The diagnosis was made only if the patient fulfilled at least three out of the following four clinical features: 1) herald patch, 2) peripheral collaret scales, 3) predominant truncal and proximal limb distribution of the lesions, and 4) orientation of lesions along the lines of cleavage. For each visit by every patient, we retrieved data for the monthly mean air temperature, mean total rainfall, and mean relative humidity. PR patients that had dengue fever with NS1 antigen and/or IgM/IgG antibody positivity were studied along with healthy controls. RESULTS: Overall, PR occurred more frequently in the colder months and months with less rainfall. However, these associations were insignificant (p = 0.23, R = -0.38, and R = -0.55, respectively). Upon further examination of the data, we found that the monthly incidence of PR was significantly lower in March and April than the other months during the study period (F = 8.31, p = 0.002). A statistically significant higher incidence was detected in September, November, and December (p < 0.01 for 2014 and 2017, but not in the 2016 seasonal cohort) and also in January and February (p < 0.05 for 2016 and 2017). Interestingly, a retrospective history of dengue fever emerged as a significant correlate. CONCLUSIONS: In our setting, there was significant temporal clustering and seasonal variation among patients with PR. The incidence of dengue fever is significantly correlated with PR.

Pityriasis Rosea during Pregnancy: Major and Minor Alarming Signs.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a self-limiting exanthematous disease associated with human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and/or HHV-7 reactivation. In pregnant women, PR may be associated with pregnancy complications. OBJECTIVE: To determine relevant risk factors in the development of negative pregnancy outcome in PR. METHODS: Between 2005 and 2017 at the Department of Dermatology, University of Genoa, we recruited 76 women who developed PR during pregnancy. In 60 patients without known risk factors for intrauterine fetal death (30 with pregnancy complications and 30 without) we analyzed the pregnancy week of PR onset, presence of enanthem and of constitutional symptoms, PR body surface area involvement, age, and in 50 patients (20 with pregnancy complications and 30 without), the viral load of HHV-6 and HHV-7 (copies/mL). RESULTS: In logistic regression analysis, early onset of PR (p = 0.0017) and enanthem (p = 0.0392) proved to be significantly associated with pregnancy complications. HHV-6 viral load (copies/mL) (p < 0.0001), constitutional symptoms (p < 0.001), and PR body surface area involvement (p < 0.004) were also significantly associated with pregnancy complications. CONCLUSION: The onset of PR before week 15 and enanthem may be considered major risk factors that should alarm the dermatologist. Constitutional symptoms and involvement of > 50% of the body area may be considered minor risk factors.

Relapsing Pityriasis Rosea With HHV-7 Reactivation in an 11-Year-Old Girl.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) usually presents as acute exanthema with oval erythematous-squamous lesions localized on the trunk, arms, and legs with spontaneous remission. We present an unusual case of PR with frequent relapses during a period of 7 years. An 11-year-old white female patient presented with many pruritic erythematous oval lesions on her trunk. A second episode followed 2 years later with several pruritic erythematous lesions on her lower limbs. During the following 5 years, the patient had several relapses per year, with 1 to 3 lesions on changing localizations. PR was diagnosed on the basis of the clinical presentation and detection of human herpesvirus 7 DNA. Spontaneous remission occurred without treatment in each episode. Relapsing PR is a rare form of PR characterized by a lower number of lesions and smaller sized lesions compared with the classic form of PR. Pediatricians should consider the diagnosis of relapsing PR even if only a single or few erythematous lesions are present.

Pitiriasis rosada en el embarazo: reporte de caso / Pityriasis rosea in pregnancy: case report

RESUMEN A pesar de que la Pitiriasis Rosada se considera una condición cutánea benigna, en el marco del embarazo, hay estudios que relacionan la aparición de esta patología con complicaciones asociadas en el feto. Metodología: Se realiza un reporte de caso, prospectivo, a una mujer de 36 años chilena que presentó esta patología durante la semana 12 de gestación. El objetivo fue describir, la evolución y control y contrastar su evolución con la evidencia científica actual sobre esta temática. Resultados: Paciente presenta placas eritematodescamativas concordantes con diagnóstico de pitiriasis rosada (superficie afectada menos al 50% de su cuerpo), sin presentar enantema, ni síntomas sistémicos. Tuvo un recién nacido sano a las 38 semanas de gestación, sin presentar ningún efecto adverso de los que relaciona la literatura analizada. Conclusiones: Distintos estudios han estudiado los posibles efectos adversos en el feto en madres que han presentado Pitiriasis Rosada en el embarazo, sin embargo, en este reporte de caso no se presentaron complicaciones asociadas. Faltan estudios realizados en mayor cantidad de pacientes.

ABSTRACT Although Pityriasis Rosea is considered a benign cutaneous condition, in the context of pregnancy, there are studies that relate the appearance of this pathology with associated complications in the fetus. Methodology: A prospective case report was made to a 36-year-old Chilean woman who presented this pathology during the twelve weeks of pregnancy. The objective was to describe, the evolution and control and to contrast its evolution with the current scientific evidence on this subject. Results: Patient presents concordant erythematous-desquamative plaques with diagnosis of Pityriasis Rosea (surface affected less than 50% of his body), without presenting enanthem, nor systemic symptoms. Had a healthy newborn at 38 weeks of gestation, without presenting any adverse effect related to the analyzed literature. Conclusions: Different studies have studied the possible adverse effects on the fetus in mothers who have presented pityriasis rosea in pregnancy, however in this case report there were no associated complications. Missing studies in a greater number of patients.

Oropharyngeal lesions in pityriasis rosea.

BACKGROUND: Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an exanthematous disease associated with the endogenous systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) and human herpesvirus-7 (HHV-7). Oropharyngeal lesions may be associated with the exanthema, but anecdotal evidence suggests that few dermatologists are aware of their occurrence. OBJECTIVE: Classifying oropharyngeal lesions in PR, establishing their prevalence, and assessing their possible association with different PR forms. METHODS: The records of all PR cases diagnosed in the Dermatology Clinic of Genoa University between 2003 and 2016 were retrospectively reviewed to examine sex and age of the patients, PR type, presence of enanthema, systemic symptoms, specific anti-HHV-6 and or HHV-7 serology, and HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 DNA loads. RESULTS: The oropharyngeal mucosa was carefully examined in 527 patients with PR. Painless oropharyngeal lesions were observed in 149 patients with PR (28%) and classified as erythematomacular, macular and papular, erythematovesicular, and petechial lesions. The petechial and macular and papular patterns were those most frequently observed. There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of HHV-6 and HHV-7 viremia in the plasma of patients with enanthema and those without. LIMITATIONS: Because this was a retrospective study, biopsies on mucosal lesions were not performed. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that enanthemas are frequently associated with forms of PR different from the classic form.

Concurrent pityriasis rosea and Bell's palsy.

Pityriasis rosea is a dermatological disease with a well-documented clinical appearance, but less is known about causes and treatment. Bell's palsy is a neurological condition leading to acute idiopathic hemifacial paralysis. Recent studies indicate that human herpesvirus (HHV) 6-7 reactivation may be a contributing factor to both conditions. We report a case of the 2 concurrent diagnoses that supports a common contributing factor and suggests further awareness and research into the role HHV 6-7 may play in the aetiology of both conditions.

Paraviral exanthems.

INTRODUCTION: Paraviral exanthems are skin diseases suspected to be caused by viruses, with a single virus-exanthem relationship not universally accepted. Although most paraviral exanthems are self-remitting, accurate diagnoses are important as some patients might develop complications. Some of the differential diagnoses might cause serious complications, and some paraviral exanthems might lead to complications for at-risk groups such as pregnant women. Moreover, some paraviral exanthems might be symptomatic such as the development of severe pruritus, with relief of such being crucial in the plan of management. Patients and carers of patients should also be counselled regarding the aetiologies, clinical features, and prognoses of the exanthems concerned. AREAS COVERED: We covered the clinical manifestations and managements of pityriasis rosea, pityriasis lichenoides, and Gianotti-Crosti syndrome. Expert Commentary: Most patients with pityriasis rosea do not need any active intervention. Symptomatic relief of the pruritus would be adequate. For patients with pityriasis rosea that are serious, extensive, or causing severe impacts of their quality of life, oral acyclovir could be considered. For pityriasis lichenoides, managements would be depending on the type of the exanthem such as the acute form (pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, also known as Mucha Habermann disease) the chronic form (pityriasis lichenoides chronic Juliusberg's disease), and the febrile ulceronecrotic Mucha-Habermann disease, which is a complication of the acute form. The management of Gianotti-Crosti syndrome is mainly symptomatic. The need for long-term follow-up for chronic complications of the underlying viral infections is still controversial.

Pityriasis Rosea: A Comprehensive Classification.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, self-limiting exanthematous disease associated with the endogenous systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and/or HHV-7. The disease typically begins with a single, erythematous plaque followed by a secondary eruption with lesions on the cleavage lines of the trunk (configuration of a 'Christmas tree'). The duration may vary from 2 weeks to a few months. Besides the typical presentation of PR, atypical forms have been described. The previous classifications of PR are mainly based on its atypical morphological features rather than on the pathogenetic mechanisms that underlie the different presentations of the disease. Notably, most of the morphologically atypical forms follow a course amenable to the classic form. The classification that we propose, taking into account the pathogenesis, clinical features, and course of the disease, is easy and intuitive and may be helpful in identifying the atypical forms of PR in order to avoid misdiagnosis and establish the best treatment options. Finally, this classification provides indications for managing potentially harmful forms of PR (such as PR in pregnancy) and PR-like eruptions.

Is There a Link between Human Herpesvirus Infection and Toll-like Receptors in the Pathogenesis of Pityriasis Rosea? A Case-control Study.

Human herpesvirus (HHV) 6 and 7 are involved in the pathogenesis of pityriasis rosea (PR). Our aim was to evaluate the role of the innate immune response in PR through the detection of Toll-like receptors (TLR) 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 expression in the skin of affected patients and to detect the possibility of being induced by HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 viral coexistence in these patients. Twenty-four patients with PR and 24 healthy controls were included in this case-control study. Biopsy was obtained from the PR lesion and from the healthy skin of controls for detection of HHV-6 and 7 as well as TLRs 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, and 9 gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Significantly elevated expression of all studied TLRs and significantly higher viral load of HHV-6 and 7 in PR cases were detected. A significant higher expression of TLR2 and 4 in HHV-7 positive cases and a significant positive correlation between TLR9 and HHV-7 viral load were documented. HHV6 and 7 may also be involved in the pathogenesis of PR via TLR pathways.

Gestational Pityriasis Rosea: Suggestions for Approaching Affected Pregnant Women.

Dear Editor, Pityriasis rosea is a common, acute, and self-limiting dermatosis, which is associated with the endogenous systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus (HHV)-6 and/or HHV-7 (1). It predominantly affects individuals of both sexes in their second or third decade of life and is clinically characterized by the occurrence of an initial erythematosquamous plaque followed by the appearance of disseminated similar but smaller lesions one or two weeks later. Several patients develop systemic symptoms such as nausea, anorexia, malaise, headache, fever, arthralgia, and lymphadenopathy that may precede or accompany the eruption; the latter follows the cleavage lines of the trunk creating the configuration of a Christmas tree and spontaneously resolves within 4 to 8 weeks. Mainly based on the nature of the underlying viral reactivation, pityriasis rosea is classified into five different forms (2): 1) Classic and 2) Relapsing (characterized by sporadic and relapsing HHV-6/7 systemic reactivation, respectively), 3) Persistent (persistence of HHV-6/7 viremia), 4) Pediatric (longer activity of HHV-6/7 infection; recent primary infection) and 5) Gestational (HHV-6/7 reactivation and possible intrauterine transmission). Clearly, the inevitable impairment of immune response in pregnancy favors viral reactivation and possibly also the intrauterine transmission of HHV-6/7. Indeed, it is well known and documented that pityriasis rosea more frequently occurs in pregnant women (18%) as compared to the general population (6%) (3). However, the literature concerning the possible effect of pityriasis rosea on the outcome of pregnancy is surprisingly sparse. Only an Italian group, Drago et al (4,5), has systematically investigated the impact of this disorder on pregnant women. They found that 22 out of 61 women (36%) who developed pityriasis rosea during pregnancy had unfavorable outcomes, whereas 8 others miscarried (13%). None of the latter had any risk factors, other than pityriasis rosea, for intrauterine fetal death. All miscarrying women reportedly revealed an aggressive course of widespread eruption and severe constitutional symptoms; all of them had HHV-6 DNA in the plasma, placenta, skin lesions, and fetal tissues, whereas HHV-7 DNA was detected in the plasma and skin lesions in 3 out of 8 (37.5%) miscarrying women. HHV-6 DNA was found only in the plasma of 2 out of 31 women (6.45%) with normal pregnancy, whereas HHV-7 DNA was detected in the plasma of 3 (9.45%) and in the skin lesions of 2 women (6.45%) with normal pregnancy. The total abortion rate in women who developed pityriasis rosea during their pregnancy (13%) does not differ from that observed in the general population. Nevertheless, it is markedly higher in cases affected during the first 15 gestational weeks (57%) (4,5). Surprisingly, this devastating impact of pityriasis rosea on the outcome of pregnancy is almost completely unknown not only to the public but also to many members of the medical community. It is also largely unknown that, particularly during the first 15 gestational weeks, all pregnant women should avoid any contact with patients known to have pityriasis rosea. Since we have received a considerable number of requests for consultation with pregnant women with pityriasis rosea over the last few years, our group has compiled suggestions approaching the affected patients: 1. If an eruption suggestive for pityriasis rosea occurs in a pregnant woman, the following factors should be excluded: a. Exposure to drugs prior to the development of the rash (biologic agents, captopril, clonidine, hydrochlorothiazide, atenolol, lamotrigine, nortriptyline, barbiturates, metronidazole, terbinafine, omeprazole, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and isotretinoin), which are capable of inducing a pityriasis rosea-like eruption (6) and b. Disorders included in the differential diagnosis (syphilis and infections due to parvovirus, herpes virus, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus). 2. The clinical diagnosis of pityriasis rosea should be made according to the morphological criteria (peripheral collarette scaling with central clearance on at least two lesions) put forth by Chuh (7). 3. Since specific anti-HHV-6 and -7 IgM antibodies are detected only in a low percentage of infected pregnant women (8), HHV-6 and -7 DNA should be assessed in plasma by nested PCR. Especially during the first 15 gestational weeks, pregnant women with positive PCR results deserve, apart from close monitoring, appropriate information about the existing risks in order to be able to make informed decisions. 4. Reliable and definite data from adequate and controlled human studies on the safety of acyclovir or valacyclovir in pregnant women and their efficacy in pityriasis rosea are lacking. Thus, the decision on whether these antiviral compounds will be administered should be tailored to each individual pregnant woman, subsequent to a meticulous assessment of the potential risks and their balancing against the potential benefits.

Pityriasis Rosea in Children: Clinical Features and Laboratory Investigations.

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common, self-limiting exanthematous disease associated with a systemic reactivation of human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and/or HHV-7. It usually occurs in the second or third decade of life whereas it is uncommon in patients younger than 10 years. We studied the clinical features and virological parameters of 31 children with PR, comparing them with those in adults. Our findings indicate that PR presents different characteristics between children and adults, mainly consisting of time lapse between herald patch and generalized eruption, duration of the exanthem, oropharyngeal involvement and persistence of HHV-6 and HHV-7 plasma viremia. Overall, these results suggest that, following HHV-6 and/or HHV-7 systemic active infection, the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in PR may at least partly be different in children and adults.