Pityriasis rosea is a type of skin rash. It starts with one large round or oval scaly patch called the herald patch. Then many smaller patches appear 2 to 14 days later. The rash most often starts on the chest, back, or belly, but then it can spread to the extremities. If you have light-colored skin, the rash is often pink. If you have dark skin, the rash may look purple or brown. It can take 1 to 2 months to go away. Before the rash appears on your skin, you may get a sore throat or flu-like symptoms.
Pityriasis rosea is a harmless noncontagious rash. The exact cause is unknown, although it may be connected to a viral infection. It's not an allergic reaction or a fungal infection. Anyone can get it, but it's most often seen in children and young adults ages 10 to 35.
If you're pregnant and develop pityriasis rosea, it may increase your risk of miscarriage. Be sure to talk with your health care provider.
This condition often goes away on its own without treatment in 2 weeks. In some people it may take 6 to 8 weeks to clear up. After it’s gone, it usually doesn’t come back.
If your provider isn't sure about your diagnosis, you may need skin scrapings, a skin biopsy, or blood tests.
Home care
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Hot temperatures and hot water can make the rash and itching worse. Stay out of hot weather when possible. Use cool or lukewarm water when you bathe or shower.
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Use fragrance-free products.
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Don't overdo it in the sun, as your skin may be more sensitive than normal. You don’t want to get a sunburn. Don't use artificial sun lamps, sun beds, and tanning salons. Apply a gentle, fragrance-free sunscreen to all skin that clothing won’t cover. Use a sunscreen with SPF of 30 or higher and broad-spectrum protection.
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Using a cool compress for 3 to 5 minutes can help relieve itch.
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This condition is not contagious. Your child may attend daycare or school while the rash is present.
Medicines
Talk with your health care provider before using any medicines. All medicines have side effects.
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Moisturizing skin creams may help dry skin.
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For itchiness, you can use over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion 2 or 3 times a day.
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Over-the-counter antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine, may also help with the itching. But they can make you sleepy. Read the information on the package before you use the medicine.
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Don't use antifungal creams and lotions. They may make the rash worse.
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If your symptoms are bad or last a long time, your provider may prescribe oral or topical (such as creams or ointments) steroids.
Follow-up care
Follow up with your health care provider, or as advised. Call your provider if the itching isn't controlled by the above suggestions, or if the rash lasts longer than 3 months.
When to get medical advice
Contact your health care provider or get medical care right away if you have:
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A rash and are pregnant.
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Severe itching.
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Signs of skin infection (increasing redness, pus leaking, yellow-brown scabs).
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A fever or other symptoms of a new illness.
