Double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-course low-dose oral prednisolone in pityriasis rosea.

PURPOSE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of short-course low-dose oral prednisolone in symptomatic pityriasis rosea (PR) of onset <5 days and compare it with placebo.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Placebo-controlled randomized double-blind study design with the treatment group receiving tapering doses of oral prednisolone over 2 weeks and the control group receiving a placebo. Outcome measures evaluated were subsidence of patient-perceived pruritus, improvement in rash quantified by a specific score, adverse effects and relapse at 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The improvement in the pruritus score as well as objective rash score were much better in the prednisolone-treated group. No adverse effects reported in either group. The relapse rate at 12 weeks was much higher in the prednisolone treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

Oral corticosteroids, even if used in low-dose and for a short tapering course should not be the first line of therapy for PR. The only justified indication may be extensive and highly symptomatic lesions of PR.