Understanding Pityriasis Rosea

Posted: Feb 28, 2011 | Views: 132 |

Pityriasis rosea typically starts as an oval or round patch 2 to 10 centimeters across called a herald patch.  Days to weeks later, the rash sweeps across an area in the body, appearing in batches of one to two centimeter pinkish oval patches. The rash most often occurs during the spring or fall in those ages 10 to 35. Pityriasis rosea most commonly occurs on the abdomen, chest, back, arms and legs and usually lasts six to eight weeks but in some cases, can last months.

It is unknown what causes pityriasis rosea, but researchers think it may be related to a relapse of to the Human Herpes Virus type 7 (HH7), -- a virus we are exposed to as children and usually build up a tolerance to.  Before developing the herald patch, a person developing pityriasis rosea may feel like they are coming down with a cold or have other symptoms such as a headache, nausea, sore throat or loss of appetite.

Itching occurs in 75 percent of all people with pityriasis rosea, with 25 percent complaining of severe itchiness.  There usually are no scars left from the rash though darker skinned people may be left with some spots on their skin after it heals.  African American children with pityriasis rosea have about 30 percent more facial and scalp involvement than Caucasian children and are more likely to be left with areas of darker pigmentation.

Treatment

To diagnose pityriasis rosea, a doctor may take a skin scraping or a biopsy to rule out whether a fungus is the cause of the rash. Pityriasis rosea can also resemble a drug rash from antibiotics and the herald patch can be mistaken for eczema or ringworm.

In most cases, no treatment is needed for pityriasis rosea; it resolves on its own. In more severe cases oral steroids may be used.  Oral antihistamines and topical cortisone cream can help with itching and anti-virals such as Zovarax or Famvir may help shorten the length of time of the rash.

Gentle cleansers such as Cetaphil or others formulated for sensitive skin should be used instead of soap. Exposing the rash to short periods of sunshine or the use of UVB phototherapy may speed the recovery of the rash.  Other soothing treatments such as oatmeal baths with products like Aveeno, or using zinc or calamine lotion may also help.  It is also best to avoid overly hot showers or baths until the rash has cleared.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/diseases-and-conditions-articles/understanding-pityriasis-rosea-4328364.html

    Article Tags:

    pityriasis rosea

    ,

    skin rash

    ,

    herald patch

    Gentle bathing, mild lubricants or creams, or mild hydrocortisone creams may be used to soothe inflammation.

    By: arlenarronl Health> Alternative Medicinel Dec 17, 2010 lViews: 113

    Do you have a rash on your back that resembles a fir tree? Did it start out as a single, oval-shaped patch which starting spreading after a few days? Have you ruled out psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm? If so, you could have Pityriasis Rosea.

    By: Safiur Rahmanl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Nov 08, 2009 lViews: 344

    Pityriasis rosea is a harmless, common skin problem that causes a rash. It appears as a rash that can last from several weeks to several months.

    By: Juliet Cohenl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Dec 04, 2007 lViews: 3,676

    When pityriasis rosea first seems, several folks believe it is a totally different skin condition like eczema. Pityriasis rosea could be a skin rash that comes then goes away. Typically, it solely happens once during a person's lifetime. Recurrence is rare, solely affecting three% of the population who is diagnosed with it. Folks between the ages of 10-35 are said to be the foremost vulnerable, but this condition can happen to anyone at any age.

    By: Kitty Cooperl Home Improvement> Bath Showersl Dec 01, 2010

    Some skin diseases have some similarity of appearance and symptoms to a ringworm disease. At the onset of the disease, basing from the characteristic it has shown, you may assume it's ringworm unless a thorough examination that has been done by a professional gives a confirmation.

    By: Preston Blackmorel Home and Familyl May 20, 2010
    John Cielo

    A fast way to get gout relief is with baking soda which I've found it to be very effective. But now that I have gotten my uric acid levels under control I don't need to use this home remedy anymore.

    By: John Cielol Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jun 04, 2012
    John Cielo

    Gout was once the 'disease of kings' due to their diet, but not any more. Anybody can have gout nowadays. Easy access to relatively cheap, mass-produced food and alcohol has meant that we are all at the mercy of gout through our diet.

    By: John Cielol Health> Diseases and Conditionsl Jun 03, 2012

    We need to keep our omega 6 foods at a minimum and include more omega 3 into our diets. Adding food items such as walnuts, chia seeds, to our salads is a simple and natural way to get our omega.

    By: Sandy Sachsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Most children demonstrate some impulsive/hyperactive behavior or have difficulty remaining on-task. Although typically found in boys, in 3-7% percent of children the inattentive, hyperactive, and/or impulsive behavior is recognized by clinician as being a significant problem that is not typical of normal development.

    By: vladimirjigsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Tomas, a 34 year of carpenter, went to see his girl friend of six months at the end of a hard day. Noticing a strange car in the driveway, he peered into her window with some curiosity. He saw her having sexual relations with another man. Enraged, Tomas went home and returned with his shotgun.

    By: vladimirjigsl Health> Diseases and Conditionsl May 29, 2012

    Ectopic pregnancy occurs when a fertilized egg implants itself somewhere other than the lining of the uterus. Typically, damage may occur to the reproductive organs and the egg cannot survive under these conditions.

    By: Jason Sandersl Health> Women's Healthl Feb 28, 2011
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast