Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a skin condition. (Read about "Skin") The American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP) says it typically affects children and young adults. PR usually starts out as a pink patch on the back or the chest. This is called the herald patch.

Eventually more patches show up all over the body. They are smaller than the original herald patch. They may be itchy. Some people also suffer from other symptoms such as tiredness and aches. The patches usually go away on their own in 6 to 8 weeks but are known occasionally to last much longer.

Many people mistake PR for ringworm (Read about "Tinea: Ringworm, Jock Itch and Athletes Foot.") and will try to treat it as such. That does no good because PR is not caused by a fungus. (Read about "Microorganisms")

Most treatment involves dealing with the symptoms such as the itchiness. Lukewarm baths instead of hot are often recommended as is avoiding strenuous exercise and getting overheated if you are itchy. Exercise in itself does not make the rash worse. (Read about "Skin Rash") Medications such as antihistamines or corticosteroids might be used if the itching is severe. Occasionally sun exposure or a tanning bed is suggested on a limited basis, although caution should be used because of the increased risk of skin cancer from sun damage. (Read about "Skin Cancer") The exact cause of PR is unknown but the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) says it may be related to a virus. One of the reasons is that once people recover from PR they tend not to get it again.

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