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Common Skin Problem: Pityriasis Rosea

Thu, 11/06/2008 - 10:00am by FitSugar
827 Views - 11 comments

Skin rashes are no fun. They're itchy, irritating, and can be embarrassing. They can appear out of the blue, and you haven't the slightest clue what caused it. One such rash is known as pityriasis rosea. It occurs mostly in the Spring and Fall, so many people may be noticing it on their bodies now. This rash usually lasts for only couple of weeks, but for the unlucky few, it can last as long as three months. You'll usually see one large patch known as the herald or mother patch on the chest or back. Then within a week, smaller pink patches begin to appear on the arms, belly, legs, and neck. The patches are oval shaped, and have a distinct border.

This rash is believed to be caused by some kind of virus, but isn't contagious (phew). If you go to the doctor or dermatologist, she can diagnosis pityriasis rosea just by looking at your rash, but she may take a skin biopsy just to be sure.

An unorthodox remedy can help clear up this skin rash. To find out what it is read more.

Gentle bathing, taking antihistamines, and applying a topical hydrocortisone cream can help deal with the itchiness, but they won't make the rash go away. I would never support UV sun exposure, but apparently moderate time in the sun or indoor tanning can make the lesions disappear more quickly. Though DrSugar warns that while sun exposure can be helpful, watch out for sunburns: they can make the situation worse and most cases will resolve spontaneously without treatment.

The good news is that once you get pityriasis rosea, recurrence is unusual.

Have any of you ever had this rash before?

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11 Comments Add a Comment

  • ash_marisa's picture
    ash_marisa
    1

    I had this my last year of college...i seriously thought i had shingles.

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • nslods's picture
    nslods
    3

    I had this while I was still in college. It was definitely not any fun at all!

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • Fooled's picture
    Fooled
    5

    I had it when I was fifteen. My mom suggested I see the school nurse before I go to the doctor's, which was silly, because this school nurse diagnosed everything as possible pregnancy. She said I had ringworm and couldn't come back to school without a doctor's note. My doctor said it was the most ridiculous thing ever and to tell her that she shouldn't be using her authority to be doing such stupid things.

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • kikidawn's picture
    kikidawn
    6

    I have had something off and on that looks similar to that, but the one I have is fungal and my dr told me to put athlete's foot cream on it. That clears it up.

    I also have this really annoying rash that is like very tiny pimples all over my upper arms Sad not attractive. I have prescribed lotion for it but it doesn't seem to go away.

    Ek mentioning all this makes me sound like an unclean person ... I promise I'm not! lol

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • eneriyma's picture
    eneriyma
    7

    I've had it several times. The second time I was in college and the doctor at the school clinic insisted I had RINGWORM and asked if I was dating a wrestler. I had to argue with him, it was so embarrassing and I ended up going to see an actual dermatologist. I was told it was uncommon and that most people only get it once, so I was surprised to see this entry!

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • graylen's picture
    graylen
    8

    I had this over Christmas break one year in college. I was an RA and I wasn't allowed back until it cleared up. It just looked so gross.

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • girlgreen's picture
    girlgreen
    9

    i have this right now!!!! it doesn''t look that bad, but i've already had it for about 2 months...

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • ilanac13's picture
    ilanac13
    10

    wow - i didn't realize how common this is. i have never had it (knock on wood) and i don't think that i've known anyone who had it - but i think that it's really helpful to know these tips and what to look out for.

    8 weeks 6 days ago Report Comment
  • lindz72486's picture
    lindz72486
    11

    I had this happen about 2 months ago. It was all over my stomach and chest. I couldn't wear low cut shirts for a couple weeks.

    8 weeks 5 days ago Report Comment

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