Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by patches of pink, oval rash. Although its exact cause is unknown and its onset is not linked to food, medicines or stress, it is thought that this non-infectious condition is set off by a virus. Pityriasis rosea can occur at any age, however, it occurs most often in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms only reccure in 3% of the affected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition include:

• Pink and flaky rash shaped like an oval
• A single "herald" rash may occur 1 to 20 days before the patches of rash
• Often occurs in patches shaped in a triangular pattern, like a "Christmas tree"
• May also itch
• May be accompanied by headache, fever and fatigue

These rashes are often found on the back, chest, and stomach. Usually, it does not affect the face, however a few rash may be found on the cheeks.

Treatments

Although there is no cure for pityriasis rosea, in most cases the condition goes away by itself without any treatment. Ultraviolet light treatment or phototherapy may shorten the duration of the condition and may be prescribed for extensive and persistent cases of pityriasis. Corticosteroid creams may also be prescribed to relieve the itching.

Pityriasis rosea usually last between 6 to 12 weeks - the rashes disappear without scarring. In people with dark complexion, however, pale discolorations may last for several months afterwards.

Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious.

External Links

• eMedicine - Pityriasis rosea
• HealthInPlainEnglish - Pityriasis rosea
• DermNet NZ - Pityriasis rosea
• MedLine Plus