Pityriasis Rosea

We have selected the following expert medical opinion based on its clarity, reliability and accuracy. Credits: Sourced from the Cleveland Clinic, Ohio. Please refer to your own medical practitioner for a final perspective, assessment or evaluation.

Overview

What is pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition that causes a scaly, pink rash on the skin. Pityriasis means “scaly” and rosea means “pink.” The rash can appear anywhere on the body but usually is on the trunk, arms, and legs. Pityriasis rosea is not dangerous and resolves without treatment, typically after 6-8 weeks. The condition is not contagious (spread from one person to another).

Who is most at risk for getting pityriasis rosea?

Anyone can get pityriasis rosea. However, the condition appears most often in people between the ages of 10 and 35.

Causes

What causes pityriasis rosea?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown.

Symptoms

What are the symptoms of pityriasis rosea?

For most people, pityriasis rosea begins as a single patch, called a herald or mother patch. This patch usually appears on the torso. Herald patches may be large and scaly. After several hours to several days, smaller patches, called daughter patches, appear on skin in other areas of the body.

The patches are pinkish-red in colour and have a scaly surface. On the back, they sometimes appear to be in the configuration of a Christmas or fir tree. The rash may itch, but not everyone with pityriasis rosea experiences itching.

In most cases, the patches fade away on their own and leave no trace behind.

Diagnosis 

How is pityriasis rosea diagnosed?

Doctors most often diagnose pityriasis rosea simply by performing a thorough physical examination. However, sometimes pityriasis rosea looks similar to other skin conditions. A skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm your diagnosis. During this procedure, the doctor takes a small sample of affected skin and sends it to a laboratory for further evaluation.

Treatment

How is pityriasis rosea treated?

For most people, pityriasis rosea resolves without treatment. If you experience significant itching, your doctor may prescribe an anti-itch medication such as a steroid cream or an anti-histamine.

Complications

What complications are associated with pityriasis rosea?

For some people, pityriasis rosea causes skin discoloration that lasts even after patches disappear. You may notice flat, brown spots on your skin in areas previously affected by pityriasis rosea. Eventually, these spots fade away.

If pityriasis rosea occurs during pregnancy, especially within the first 15 weeks, there is a very small risk for miscarriage. For this reason, close follow-up with your OB/Gyn is recommended.

Prevention 

Can pityriasis rosea be prevented?

There is no way to prevent pityriasis rosea.

Prognosis

What are the outcomes after treatment for pityriasis rosea?

In most cases, pityriasis disappears on its own, leaving no trace behind.

Recommended websites

For further reading go to:

• American Academy of Dermatology - Pityriasis Rosea

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