What is Pityriasis Rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is a rash that typically occurs on your torso, upper arms, thighs, or neck. Although this condition may look daunting, it is a common skin condition that is easy to treat.
There is not an exact known cause of pityriasis rosea. However, it is important to know that this condition is not contagious. It’s commonly thought that the condition is triggered by a virus, specifically some forms of herpes. It mostly commonly affects children, teens, and adults in their 20s, but can also affect those who are pregnant.
Signs and Symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea
The first sign that will occur is a herald patch, also known as a mother patch. This will usually be the only patch visible for one to two weeks and can grow up to four inches in size. Depending on your skin tone, a herald patch can appear pink to violet in color.
Following the appearance of the mother patch, daughter patches will begin to appear. These patches are smaller in size than mother patches and are oval shaped. Daughter patches will occur over large areas of the body, and possibly within the mouth. If daughter patches appear on the back, they may take the shape of a Christmas tree. While it is rare, some people may only experience a herald patch, while some people only experience daughter patches. In terms of symptoms, approximately 50% of people who are diagnosed with pityriasis rosea complain of itchiness around the patches. So, it isn’t abnormal to experience itchiness from this condition.
How Long Will Patches from Pityriasis Rosea Appear?
Mother and daughter patches can be visible for up to ten weeks. In addition, red or dark spots can occur once the patches disappear, but they will eventually fade.
Diagnosis of This Condition
Pityriasis rosea is one of the medical dermatology conditions that is easily diagnosed and treated. Your dermatologist can diagnose pityriasis rosea by sight. To verify the diagnosis, your dermatologist may order blood work, do a skin scraping, or do a biopsy. Make sure to tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant, have had an organ transplant, or take any medications as this can affect your treatment plan.
Pityriasis Rosea Treatment Options
At-home treatment options can help alleviate any itchiness that occurs due to pityriasis rosea. The most effective way to reduce the itching sensation is to avoid overheating. Avoiding hot temperatures as much as possible, taking lukewarm showers, and reducing intense exercising will help decrease your itching.
When showering, use fragrance-free soaps and apply a fragrance-free moisturizer immediately following your shower. Do not use any products that are labeled antibacterial. If you have patches on your face that need covered, use a concealer made for sensitive skin. It is also important to protect the rash from sunlight. Be sure to cover the areas of skin affected by pityriasis rosea with loose clothing and by applying a fragrance-free sunscreen that is made for sensitive skin. Stay in the shade as much as possible when outdoors.
If the itching persists, apply a cool compress to the areas most affected. Keep this cool compress on the affected areas for up to 5 minutes. Taking an antihistamine before bed can help ease any discomfort you may have during the night.
See a Dermatologist
If the level of itchiness stays the same or worsens, it’s time to schedule an appointment with your dermatologist. Pityriasis rosea clears up on its own, but your dermatologist can prescribe medications to ease your symptoms. Medications such as calamine lotion and antihistamines can be prescribed to ease itching. Antiviral medications and other prescription medications may be included as part of your treatment plan to reduce itching and swelling.
If your pityriasis rosea requires more than at-home treatment, your dermatologist can help create an individualized treatment plan for you. You can contact our team to schedule an appointment today.