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Pityriasis rosea--a virus-induced skin disease? An update
Abstract:
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, inflammatory skin disease of unknown cause. Clinical and experimental findings indicate an infectious etiology of PR. Various infectious agents including viruses have been proposed as causative agents and their presence in PR samples has been extensively investigated. Recently, human herpesvirus 7 was linked to PR, but contradictory findings have been reported by various investigators. Here, we describe the features of PR that suggest an infectious cause and review the data from viral studies in PR reported in the literature. In addition, we present a pathogenetic model of PR which may be helpful in planning and evaluating studies for the search of a putative PR-associated virus. Based on the current state of knowledge, none of the known viruses could, so far, be conclusively associated with PR.
Insights
Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an inflammatory skin condition with suspected infectious origins. Despite extensive research, no specific virus has been definitively identified as the cause of this skin disease.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Pityriasis rosea (PR) is an acute, inflammatory skin condition with an unknown etiology.
- Clinical and experimental evidence suggests an infectious cause for PR.
- Various infectious agents, particularly viruses, have been investigated as potential causative agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the features of Pityriasis rosea suggesting an infectious cause.
- To summarize and analyze data from previous viral studies in PR.
- To propose a pathogenetic model for PR to guide future research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of clinical and experimental findings in Pityriasis rosea.
- Analysis of published viral studies investigating potential causative agents in PR.
- Development of a pathogenetic model for PR.
Main Results:
- Pityriasis rosea exhibits features suggestive of an infectious etiology.
- Previous studies have investigated numerous viruses, including human herpesvirus 7, as potential causes of PR.
- Contradictory findings exist regarding the association of specific viruses with PR.
Conclusions:
- Despite ongoing research and proposed infectious causes like human herpesvirus 7, no virus has been conclusively linked to Pityriasis rosea.
- Further studies and a refined pathogenetic model are needed to identify the causative agent of PR.