Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a condition that affects the skin. It may appear in small patches on the back or in diagonal stripes. The patches may itch, especially during exercise or a hot shower. The symptoms are very similar to those of other skin disorders.

Symptoms

Pityriasis rosea is a very common skin rash that usually affects the upper body and chest. It’s non-cancerous and generally clears up on its own in six to eight weeks. Although the rash is not painful, it can cause discomfort and may even lead to permanent skin discoloration.

The first step is to visit your doctor to get a proper diagnosis. You should provide a detailed description of your symptoms. Be sure to mention any symptoms that you had before the rash appeared. A doctor may also recommend applying hydrocortisone creams to relieve the itching. The skin rash may also be relieved with antihistamines, which you can buy without a prescription. If you experience excessive itchiness, it may be best to avoid excessive sun exposure. You can also take antiviral medication.

Diagnosis of pityriasis rosea can be difficult, but a healthcare provider will be able to identify the condition based on the appearance of the rash. In severe cases, the healthcare provider may also take a small sample of the rash to perform a biopsy. This test is important because it can distinguish between different kinds of rashes. Fortunately, pityriasis rosea usually clears up on its own in about four to ten weeks without leaving scarring. Depending on the severity of the case, it may require antihistamines and corticosteroids.

Causes

There are two primary causes of Pityriasis roseoa: a virus or an allergic reaction. Antibiotics and antifungal creams are not effective in treating this skin condition. Rather, you should visit a doctor to get a diagnosis.

Pityriasis rosea begins with a single patch on the back, often a herald patch, that can be up to 10 centimeters wide. These patches are generally oval in shape and are slightly raised. Some patients also develop a fever and sore throat.

Pityriasis rosea is a rash that can be itchy and is typically caused by an allergic reaction to an insect bite. It may also occur in a more severe form. The rash may be red and scaly or may appear as a tan or pink patch. The rash can spread over a period of weeks and may go away on its own without medical intervention.

Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder that typically affects young adults and children. The rash may occur anywhere on the body, but tends to appear more on the back and chest than on other parts. Treatment depends on the location of the rash, the severity of the symptoms, and the general health of the person suffering from the condition.

Treatments

The symptoms of pityriasis rosea can be similar to those of a viral upper respiratory infection. They can include a fever, sore throat, and stuffy nose. However, these symptoms may not always be present. In some cases, the rash will not be associated with any prior illness.

If you are concerned about the rash on your skin, your physician can perform a skin biopsy to determine the exact cause of the disease. The biopsy will allow the doctor to differentiate it from other similar rashes. The rash itself usually goes away on its own within 4 to 10 weeks and will not cause scarring. Antihistamines and corticosteroids can also be used to treat the condition.

Treatments for Pityriasus rosea can include antihistamines, moisturizers, and topical creams. The rash may also be relieved by applying cool compresses to the affected area. In severe cases, oral corticosteroids may be prescribed.

Recurrence

The main cause of recurrence of pityriosis rosea is unknown. The human herpes virus-6 and -7 are the suspected causes. A number of medications are also implicated. Although there is no definitive diagnosis, a pityriasis rosea-like eruption may be the result of the use of antibiotics or other anti-viral medications.

In rare cases, the disease may recur. In some cases, a new rash appears on a previously infected area. In children, the lesions may be small or absent, and they may resemble ringworm. In adults, pityriasis roseoides is most often accompanied by a history of an upper respiratory tract infection.

In most cases, the rash and itching are temporary. Topical steroid creams can help reduce the redness and itchiness. A doctor may also prescribe oral antihistamines or ultraviolet B phototherapy.