Pityriasis

Abstract

The word ‘pityriasis’, is of Greek origin and signifies flaking of the skin. This process occurs in many skin conditions which are otherwise unrelated, and there are therefore several skin disorders with ‘pityriasis’ in their title. This overview will help the general practitioner to diagnose the majority of different types of pityriasis, enabling them to provide reassurance and treatment for the benign disorders, while recognising those that require referral to secondary care. This article focuses on the four most commonly encountered pityriasis disorders in primary care.