Biophysical and ultrasonographic changes in pityriasis rosea compared with uninvolved skin

Abstract Background Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common, self-limited, inflammatory papulosquamous skin disease, with a possible viral etiology. Objectives The goal of this study was to evaluate skin biophysical properties in PR patients compared to uninvolved skin to understand the pathogenesis of PR better. Methods The stratum corneum hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), surface friction, pH, sebum, melanin, erythema, temperature, elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5), thickness and echo-density of epidermis and dermis were measured on lesions of classic PR in 21 patients, and compared with control sites (average of uninvolved perilesional and symmetrical skin) by paired T- test. Results Stratum corneum hydration (p Conclusions PR skin is characterized by certain alterations in biophysical properties, which are mostly correlated with histological changes. These changes may be helpful in early, non-invasive diagnosis of PR.