A qualitative study on the historical aspects of pityriasis rosea: revelations on future directions of research

The exact aetiology of pityriasis rosea (PR) remains controversial despite research for nearly one and a half century. We report a small-scale qualitative study on the historical aspects of PR. We found that the exact time point for which the rash was first accurately described is not easily determined. There exists considerable overlap between typical and atypical PR. Important clinical signs of PR such as the herald patch and peripheral collarette scaling were recognised decades after the disease had been accurately described. Early investigators utilised not only laboratory data but also epidemiological data in their analyses. Investigators often focused on physicianoriented rather than patient-oriented aspects. These findings have pertinent implications on the future directions of research for PR.