Pityriasis Rosea - Symptoms & Treatment

Pityriasis rosea is a peculiar disorder of the skin. It can occur at any age, but it is seen more often in young adults. It usually begins as one large spot on your chest, abdomen or back and then spreads. The rash of pityriasis rosea often sweeps out from the middle of the body, and its shape resembles drooping pine-tree branches. Although pityriasis rosea has a distinctive appearance once the rash appears, in its early stages you may confuse pityriasis rosea with other skin disorders, such as ringworm or eczema. Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by patches of pink, oval rash . Although its exact cause is unknown and its onset is not linked to food, medicines or stress, it is thought that this essentially non-contagious condition is set off by a virus . Pityriasis rosea can affect members of either age. However, it is most common in females and those between the ages of 8 and 35. Symptoms only recur in 3% of the affected. Treatment may include external and internal medications for itching. Aveeno oatmeal baths, anti-itch medicated lotions and steroid creams may be prescribed to combat the rash. Lukewarm, rather than hot, baths may be suggested. Strenuous activity, which could aggravate the rash, should be discouraged. Ultraviolet light treatments given under the supervision of a dermatologist may be helpful. Recently, both the antiviral drug Famvir and the antibiotic erythromycin have been claimed to produce healing in one to two weeks. For severe cases a few days of oral anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone may be necessary to promote healing. For mild cases, no treatment is required as this disease is not a dangerous skin condition.

Pityriasis is a group of skin disorders in which a scaly rash is usually present. Pityriasis Rosea is a rash of itchy, oval-shaped red spots which gradually appear on the trunk an dupper arms. The cause of the condition, which mostly affects children and young people is unknown, though a virus is suspected. Pityriasis rosea most often affects teenagers or young adults and last from 4-12 weeks, occurring more often in spring and fall. It generally disappears of its own accord, though steroid onitments may be prescribed if the rash is severe.

Causes of Pityriasis Rosea

Find common causes and risk factors of Pityriasis Rosea :

• The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown. It may be caused by a yet unidentified virus.
• It is not an allergic reaction or caused by a fungus or bacteria.
• Medicines such as bismuth , barbiturates , captopril , gold , organic mercurials , methoxypromazine , metronidazole, D-penicillamine, isotretinoin, tripelennamine hydrochloride, ketotifen, and salvarsan may also cause this disease.
• Weather condition is the main cause of pityriasis rosea. It occurs most commonly in the fall and spring.

Signs and Symptoms of Pityriasis Rosea

Sign and symptoms may include the following :

• Red Color patches may appear before the rash.
• Rash , scaly appearance with near clear centers.
• Fever and fatigue rare.
• Itching is mild but can be severe.
• Dry surface and may have an inner circlet of scaling.
• Rarely vesicles.
• May be accompanied by headache , fever , nausea and fatigue.

Treatment for Pityriasis Rosea

Treatment may include:

• Moisturizing creams can be used to dry skin.
• Ultraviolet light treatment or photo therapy generally shorten the duration of the disease and may be prescribed for extensive and persistent cases of pityriasis.
• Corticosteroid creams may also be prescribed to relieve the itching .
• Treatment with a steroid cream or ointment usually brings prompt relief.
• The cool baths with or without oatmeal helps in the removal of patches.
• Nature always cures this disorder, sometimes slowly.
• Oral antihistamines may help in cases of severe itching.