Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition that causes a temporary rash of raised red scaly patches on the body. It can affect anyone, but it's more common in older children and young adults (aged 10 to 35). It's not known what causes pityriasis rosea. One theory is that the rash may be caused by a viral infection.
Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people through physical contact.
Symptoms

Skin rash and redness

  • At chest, At back

  • At upper extremity except hand

  • At legs not feet

  • At abdomen

  • Herald patch

common

Cracked skin

  • Cracked skin on legs, Cracked skin on arms, Cracked skin on the chest, Cracked skin at back

common

Itchy skin

  • At chest, At back

  • At abdomen

  • At upper extremity

  • At lower extremity

common

Feel like vomiting

or Headache

or Fatigue

or Pain, scratchiness or irritation of the throat

or Poor appetite

common

Enlarged or swollen lymph nodes

Risk factors

Recent upper respiratory tract infection

Falling sick easily

or Diabetes mellitus

Treatment
See your doctor if you have an unexplained rash. They'll usually be able to confirm whether it's pityriasis rosea, or another skin condition such as eczema, psoriasis or ringworm. Pityriasis rosea usually gets better without treatment within 12 weeks. Treatment is not needed unless you experience discomfort and itching. Possible treatments for pityriasis rosea include: 1-Emollients – creams that moisturise and soothe the skin. 2-Steroid creams or ointments – such as hydrocortisone and betamethasone cream. 3-Antihistamines – if you're having trouble sleeping because of the itching, a GP may prescribe an antihistamine that will make you feel sleepy, such as hydroxyzine or chlorpheniramine. 4-UVB light therapy – if other treatments do not work, you may be referred for UVB light therapy
Recommended specialist

If you have Pityriasis Rosea, then a visit to a dermatologist is recommended.

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