Herald lesion
Herald Patch or Herald Lesion is a primary lesion that often precedes the full manifestation of Pityriasis Rosea, a common skin condition. The herald patch is characterized by a single, large, round or oval, pink or salmon-colored patch that appears on the skin. It is typically larger than subsequent lesions that may appear later and is often mistaken for ringworm (Tinea Corporis) or eczema (Dermatitis) due to its appearance.
Symptoms and Identification[edit | edit source]
The herald patch is usually solitary and can range in size from 2 to 10 centimeters. It has a well-defined border and a slightly scaly, raised edge. The center of the patch may appear more faded or clear as it ages. This lesion is most commonly found on the trunk of the body but can also appear on the neck, upper thighs, or upper arms. After the appearance of the herald patch, smaller, similar-looking lesions tend to spread in a Christmas tree pattern, especially on the back. This pattern is highly indicative of Pityriasis Rosea.
Causes[edit | edit source]
The exact cause of Pityriasis Rosea and the herald patch is unknown, but it is believed to be viral in nature. Some studies suggest a link to human herpesvirus 6 and 7, but this connection is not definitively established.
Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
Diagnosis of a herald patch is primarily clinical, based on its appearance and the presence of characteristic symptoms. In some cases, a skin biopsy or other tests may be performed to rule out other conditions such as Syphilis, Tinea Corporis, or Nummular Eczema.
Treatment[edit | edit source]
Treatment of the herald patch and Pityriasis Rosea is generally symptomatic. The condition is self-limiting and usually resolves without treatment within 6 to 8 weeks. If itching is severe, topical steroids or antihistamines may be prescribed to provide relief. Exposure to sunlight has also been shown to hasten the resolution of lesions in some cases.
Prognosis[edit | edit source]
The prognosis for individuals with a herald patch and Pityriasis Rosea is excellent. The condition typically resolves on its own without leaving scars. However, dark-skinned individuals may experience temporary hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation at the sites of the lesions.
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
|
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
| Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD
