PITYRIASIS ROSEA

General Information

DEFINITION--A non-contagious, inflammatory skin disorder with a faint rash that lasts 3 to 4 weeks.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED--Skin, especially of the chest and abdomen.

SEX OR AGE MOST AFFECTED--All ages, but most common in adolescents and young adults.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• A faint rash often found in skin creases of oval or round, pale-pink or light-brown areas. One larger patch (the "herald patch") may appear first. They may evolve into a Christmas tree pattern on the chest or back.
• Mild fatigue.
• Itching, usually mild.
• Occasional slight fever and headache.

CAUSES--Unknown, but may be caused by a virus or autoimmune disorder.

RISK INCREASES WITH--Fall and spring seasons.

HOW TO PREVENT--Cannot be prevented at present.

What To Expect

DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES--

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and physical exam by a doctor to rule out other disorders.

APPROPRIATE HEALTH CARE

• Self-care after diagnosis.
• Doctor's treatment, if severe itching occurs.

POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS--Secondary bacterial infection of the rash area.

PROBABLE OUTCOME--

• Pityriasis rosea usually runs its natural course in 5 weeks to 4 months. No medication or treatment is available to shorten its course but itching and discomfort can be relieved.
• The skin eruptions won't leave scars unless complicated by a secondary infection. New rash areas continue to break out for several weeks. Once over, one episode seems to confer lifelong immunity.
• Although pityriasis is probably caused by an infectious agent, it is not contagious. Even close family contacts are unlikely to develop the disease.

How To Treat

GENERAL MEASURES--

• Treatment is focused on relieving the itching.
• Bathe as usual with a mild soap. Use warm water, as hot water may intensify the itching. Oatmeal baths may help. You don't need to sterilize the tub or shower after bathing.
• Expose the skin to moderate amounts of sunlight. This may decrease the rash.

MEDICATION--

• For minor discomfort, you may use non-prescription drugs, such as: Calamine lotion to decrease itching. Acetaminophen to reduce fever. Steroid cream to control severe itching (a rare symptom). Acetaminophen to reduce fever.
• Your doctor may prescribe other topical steroids and/or antihistamines.

ACTIVITY--Usually no restrictions.

DIET--No special diet.

Call Your Doctor If

• You have symptoms of pityriasis rosea.
• The following occurs during treatment: Fever over 101F (38.3C). Signs of infection (warmth, redness, tenderness, pain and swelling) in the rash area.