Patient education: Pityriasis rosea (The Basics)

What is pityriasis rosea? — Pityriasis rosea is a skin rash that causes small, itchy spots on the belly, back, chest, arms, and legs. The rash usually lasts about 4 to 6 weeks, but in some people, it can last for months.

Pityriasis rosea is most common in older children and young adults.

What causes pityriasis rosea? — The cause is not known. But it does not seem to be easily spread from person to person.

What are the symptoms of pityriasis rosea? — In many people, the rash starts with 1 round or oval patch. This spot is usually around 1 to 2 inches (2.5 to 5 cm) wide, but might be larger. A day or 2 later, many smaller spots appear. But not everyone gets the large spot before the rest of the rash.

The color of the spots can be different in different people. They might be red-brown, pink, dark brown, or dark gray (picture 1 and picture 2).

The spots might be:

●On the belly, back, chest, arms, and legs

●Spread out in a "fir tree" or "Christmas tree" pattern on the back

●Itchy

●A little scaly

In children, the spots sometimes happen on the face and scalp.

Is there a test for pityriasis rosea? — Maybe. Your doctor or nurse can often tell if you have it by learning about your symptoms and doing an exam. But they might gently scrape the rash or do a different test to get a sample of your skin. Tests on the skin sample can help the doctor tell if you have pityriasis rosea or a different problem.

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. You can:

●Take a special kind of bath called an oatmeal bath. Use water that is lukewarm, not hot.

●Use unscented moisturizing lotion or cream on your skin.

●Try to keep your body cool.

How is pityriasis rosea treated? — Most people do not need any treatment. If your symptoms bother you, your doctor might prescribe creams or ointments to help with itching. In rare cases, doctors prescribe other medicines or a special type of treatment that uses lights, called "phototherapy."