Pityriasis Rosea

in Alpharetta, GA

What are the symptoms of pityriasis rosea?

Patients with pityriasis rosea develop a distinct rash that is sometimes misdiagnosed as eczema or ringworm. The progression is as follows:

• Some patients have reported a sore throat, fever or listlessness prior to the appearance of the herald patch.
• The initial “herald patch” is usually a single round or oval patch that’s slightly raised and scaly to the touch. It can sometimes itch.
• The herald rash almost always appears on the chest, abdomen or back.
• Within a week or two, the rash spreads to other parts of the body in smaller pine-tree shaped clusters.
• The rash usually fades on its own in about 6-8 weeks.

Who gets pityriasis rosea?

People between the ages of 10 and 35 are most likely to get pityriasis rosea, but it can appear at any age. It’s also more common in those with a family history of the condition, and in those taking certain medications such as terbinafine, isotretinoin, omeprazole, and barbiturates.

What is the best treatment for pityriasis rosea?

Treatment is often “watch and wait,” as pityriasis rosea often disappears after a few weeks. However, there are treatment options to help with discomfort, which include:

• Oatmeal baths to relieve itching
• Medicated, topical lotions such as corticosteroids
• Ultraviolet light
• Antiviral drugs

During the presence of pityriasis rosea, patients are advised to severely restrict physical activity that can lead to overheating the body, and to avoid hot baths.

What causes pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea’s exact cause is unclear; however, it may be caused by a viral infection, specifically by some strains of the herpes virus. The rash is not contagious.