What is the normal age range for pityriasis rosea?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: November 26, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

Normal Age Range for Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea primarily affects individuals between 10 and 35 years of age, with peak incidence during adolescence. 1

Age Distribution

  • The condition occurs mainly in children and young adults, with the highest frequency observed in the adolescent age group 1, 2
  • While the typical age range is 10-35 years, pityriasis rosea can occur outside this range, including in younger children 1, 3
  • Case reports document pityriasis rosea in children as young as 6 years old, though this represents atypical presentations 3

Clinical Context by Age

  • Adolescents and young adults represent the most commonly affected population, making this the "normal" demographic for the condition 1, 2
  • The disease shows no racial predilection and occurs worldwide across all ethnic groups 4
  • Both sexes are affected, though specific gender predominance data is not consistently reported in the literature 1

Important Clinical Pearls

  • The age distribution (10-35 years with adolescent peak) helps distinguish pityriasis rosea from other papulosquamous conditions that may have different age predilections 1
  • When pityriasis rosea presents outside the typical age range (particularly in very young children or older adults), clinicians should maintain heightened awareness for atypical presentations or alternative diagnoses 3
  • The self-limited nature of the condition (typically resolving in 6-8 weeks) remains consistent across all age groups 1

References

Research

Pityriasis Rosea: An Updated Review.

Current pediatric reviews, 2021

Research

Pityriasis rosea.

American family physician, 2004

Research

Vesicular pityriasis rosea: response to erythromycin treatment.

Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology : JEADV, 2004

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.