Pityriasis rosé from Gibert: what is it?
"Gibert's Pityriasis rosé is a viral dermatosis of infectious origin. Seasonal, we observe it especially in spring"explains Dr. Gaucher. The disease takes its name from the doctor who was the first to describe it in 1860, the dermatologist Camille-Melchior Gibert. Pityriasis rosé from Gibert is not a contagious disease, even if it is caused by a herpes virus type virus. "It is characterized by pinkish plates which have a lighter border in the center. Sometimes they are confused with patches of measles, eczema or psoriasis", adds the dermatologist. Gibert's Pityriasis rosé can affect everyone but more often young adults between 20 and 40 years old.
Pityriasis rosé from Gibert: who to consult?
If you notice the appearance of plaques suggestive of a pink Pityriasis from Gibert, the ideal is to consult a dermatologist who can confirm the diagnosis. If this is not possible, an appointment with a general practitioner is sufficient.
What are the symptoms of this dermatological disorder?
"At first, a large medallion about 5 to 10 cm in diameter appears on the trunk", warns the doctor. Initially there is only one plaque, which can then be confused with a fungus, then other plaques appear and spread everywhere: trunk, neck, sometimes the face but especially the roots of the limbs, the upper thighs and arms. "The clinical examination makes it possible to make the diagnosis. There is no need for additional exams. ", explains Dr. Gaucher.
The rash lasts between 3 and 6 weeks, rarely longer. The disease is completely mild but recurrences are frequent. Sometimes the patient has flu-like symptoms in the 10 days before the onset: headache, stuffy nose, mild fever, body aches.
Pityriasis rosé from Gibert: what are the treatments?
"The classic attitude is to do nothing, explains the dermatologist. The plaques eventually go away on their own without treatment.""Applying a moisturizer and taking an antihistamine if the itchy lesions are enough", she adds. The initial medallion usually leaves little room for doubt. But if the plaques are still there after 8 weeks, Doctor Gaucher recommends a biopsy to make sure they are not something else like psoriasis, eczema or, in very rare cases, dermatological lesions suggestive of syphilis or leukemia.
Pityriasis rosé from Gibert: the contribution of homeopathy
If Gibert's Pityriasis rosé disappears on its own and no treatment is necessary, Doctor Gaucher recommends turning to homeopathy, which shows very good results. "Homeopathy will accelerate evolution but will make plaques disappear faster", she explains. The classic treatment is as follows: Arsenicum iodatum and Berberis Vulgaris, two to three times a day + a dose of the background medicine, usually Sulfide 9CH at the start.
What danger during pregnancy?
Are you pregnant and have contracted Gibert's Pityriasis rosé? It is obviously normal to worry but the dermatologist wants to be reassuring on this point: "Gibert's Pityriasis rosé is a mild condition that poses no risk to the expectant mother or her baby"In the event of itching, your doctor will be able to advise you on a treatment compatible with your condition.
Thank you to Doctor Catherine Gaucher, Dermatologist and venerologist in Paris
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