Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease or condition caused by a virus called herpes virus strain 6 or 7. In this article, we discuss Pityriasis rosea, symptoms, causes, treatment, and complications.

What is Pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea, a rash that typically affects the torso, upper arms, thighs, and neck, may appear to be more serious than it is. Pit-ih-RIE-uh-sis ROW-zee-ah is the difficult-to-pronounce name of the unattractive disorder. However, it’s a common ailment that’s rather simple to treat.

Though the exact etiology is uncertain, experts believe it is linked to a viral infection, particularly certain types of herpes. It mostly affects adolescents, teenagers, and adults in their twenties, but it can afflict anyone at any age. It may also affect you if you’re expecting a child.

It’s not contagious, and it usually cures without leaving any traces or scars.

How can we know that we have got Pityriasis rosea?

The first sign of Pityriasis rosea is a single patch on your back or torso. The “herald patch” or “mother patch” is what it’s called. It’s commonly oval, with a diameter of 2 to 10 cm (less than an inch to approximately 4 inches). It could have a slightly elevated or rough texture. You may experience a headache, fever, or sore throat as a result of it.

The herald patch is joined by “daughter patches” – tiny, scaly rashes that appear on your chest or back, frequently in the shape of a Christmas tree, a week or two after the herald patch appears. It may become itchy in some circumstances, especially if you exercise or expose it to heat.

Symptoms

The following are some of the indications and symptoms of pityriasis rosea:

• A single huge spot (herald patch) appears.
• The herald patch is scaled and tan in color.
• Within a week of the first patch developing, a delicate rash of small spots appears.
• Small oval areas of red to tan color develop from the dots.
• In the center, the patches appear crinkly and loose.
• It’s possible that the rash is itchy.
• Typically, the upper body and upper arms are affected.
• The patches may be aligned with the ribs.
• It’s possible that the rash will extend to your upper thighs.
• The rash might occasionally migrate to the neck and lower face.

Pityriasis rosea causes

A viral infection causes pityriasis rosea. Recent studies have shown that it is a herpes virus. For unexplained reasons, children and young people are more vulnerable. Recurrences are extremely rare; a person who gets a skin rash has a 2% chance of getting it again. Although Pityriasis rosea does not appear to be extremely contagious, other family members may opt to practice more severe personal cleanliness just to be safe.

Pityriasis rosea diagnosis

Pityriasis rosea can be sometimes conflicted with skin conditions like tinea (Ringworm infection) or psoriasis, therefore it’s crucial to decide on the disease for better treatment. A rash like this can also be caused by less prevalent infections like syphilis. A skin biopsy of one of the patches may be collected for laboratory analysis.

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Pityriasis rosea treatment

Because there is no way to make the rash go away faster, treatment focuses on managing the symptoms. Some of them are:

• Soap should be avoided because it can exacerbate the rash.
• Bathe with either plain water or a moisturizer such as bath oil.
• Itching can be relieved with the use of steroid creams.
• In cases of extreme itching, antihistamines may be helpful.
• Mild moisturizing creams can be used liberally and frequently.
• Some cases may respond to ultraviolet radiation, so a little sunshine can help. However, avoid being sunburned and don’t spend too much time in the sun. The best times to go are early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• UVB ultraviolet light phototherapy may be beneficial.

In most cases, pityriasis rosea clears up in 8 to 10 weeks. Your doctor may suggest the following to relieve itching:

• Calamine lotion or zinc oxide are examples of over-the-counter topical medicines.
• Antihistamines are antihistamines, which like commonly used to treat allergies and, in some cases, rashes and itching.
• Showering with lukewarm water or relaxing in an oatmeal bath
• In some circumstances, doctors may prescribe medications like corticosteroids, which reduce itching and swelling, or acyclovir (Valtrex, Zovirax), an antiviral that fights herpes.

Complications

Pityriasis rosea is usually innocuous and does not reoccur after it has gone away. Consult your doctor if your condition lasts longer than three months. You could be suffering from another ailment or be experiencing a side effect from a drug.

Pregnant women are the only group who are more likely to experience a significant complication as a result of this illness. If you acquire pityriasis rosea while pregnant, see your OB/GYN right away. According to one small research, most women who developed the rash during the first 15 weeks of pregnancy have gone through a miscarriage.