DEFINITION:

Pityriasis Rosea is a rather common skin disease in which round or oval, scaling, pink patches develop mainly on the trunk of the body, upper arms and thighs. In many cases the eruption begins with a single scaling patch (the so called "herald patch"), followed one to two weeks later by development of the widespread rash. The herald patch resembles ringworm somewhat and is often confused with it. Pityriasis Rosea most commonly occurs in older children and teenagers but can appear at any age. It often occurs in seasonal epidemics during the Spring and Fall, but may as an isolated case at any time.

CAUSE:

The cause of Pityriasis Rosea is not known. Because of its tendency to occur in seasonal epidemics and because of its rather predictable course, it is thought to be caused by a virus infection. This theory has never been proven. If the disease is contagious at all, it is only slightly so, since multiple cases occurring at the same time within families are seen only very rarely.

NATURAL COURSE:

Pityriasis Rosea lasts from 6 to 12 weeks and then disappears leaving no scars. Many patients are first seen in the early stage of their disease, so that the condition may appear to worsen considerably before it begins to improve. Typically, the eruption will peak in about two weeks and slowly diminish over the following month. Usually socially exposed areas like the face, forearms and hands are not heavily involved, though there are exceptions. In most persons the condition is not particularly uncomfortable or inconvenient. Naturally, I certainly expect you to contact me again if your condition becomes much worse or if it does not seem to follow the pattern described above.

TREATMENT:

• No limitation of activities is required. You do not need to stay home.
• Treatment is for relief of symptoms only and does not alter the overall course of the disease. Sometimes the rash is itchy. In that case I recommend a prescription anti-itch cream or lotion to be applied to the uncomfortable areas.
• Scrubbing the affected areas with soap or a wash cloth or the use of very hot water for bathing or showering will generally worsen the itching of Pityriasis Rosea. These should be avoided.

Top Of Page