Pityriasis Rosea - Symptoms and Treatments

Pityriasis rosea can easily be confused with a common rash or skin irritation. This harmless skin problem commonly affects people between the ages of 10 to 35 years of age. Pityriasis rosea is not caused by an allergic reaction or fungus. Some experts believe it is the result of a virus or a viral infection, although tests come out negative when they look for genetic substances. And, those affected by pityriasis rosea do not have a high temperature.

So what is Pityriasis rosea? In the beginning the rash may appear as one oval or round spot that has a pink hue. There may be a raised edge around the area and it may feel scaly to the touch. Pityriasis rosea can be found on your arms, back, along your legs, chest and on your stomach. In certain cases pityriasis rosea spreads along the neck as well. For those suffering from the rash there may be a slight itch, and the condition can last a few short weeks or up to several months depending on the severity of the condition.

Other symptoms of pityriasis rosea include tiredness, loss of appetite, headaches, or nausea. These symptoms are similar to those of a common cold. The condition is often confused with other skin irritations like eczema and ringworm. Certain medical conditions also have rash that resemble pityriasis rosea and prescriptions like antibiotics can also cause a rash in certain people so it is a good idea to talk to your doctor about your condition. Having a family doctor that you build a long relationship with is helpful because the doctor knows your medical history and should be able to help diagnose the problem.

The incubation period of pityriasis rosea is normally up to eight weeks in most cases. The effects of the condition can be intensified by physical work outs, which may a result of sweating. Often the itching that accompanies pityriasis rosea can be treated with skin lotions. In some instances use of anti-inflammatory medications can help ease severe itching. Medications for antifungal conditions are basically ineffective because pityriasis rosea is not caused by a fungus.

When treating a rash, including pityriasis rosea it is helpful to keep the area as dry as possible. Cool clothes can ease discomfort. Avoid too much moisture in the affected area because repeated wetting can cause the skin to get too dry and make you want to scratch it more. You should avoid taking hot baths or showers, which may worsen the condition. This may be because the heat opens the pores and any seeping fluid from the wound may spread.

A helpful way to combat the itch and rash caused by pityriasis rosea is to take a cool oatmeal bath. Remember to avoid hot baths. Cool baths are also of great relief for chicken pox and outbreaks from exposure to poison ivy or oak. Using a hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion are good alternatives to oatmeal baths for relief from pityriasis rosea. Taking an antihistamine like Benadryl will probably be one of the medications found at your local pharmacy that your doctor will suggest. While treating a condition like pityriasis rosea you should avoid heavy detergents for bathing or laundry. These products may worsen the rash. If you have symptoms of pityriasis rosea or another form of rash consult your doctor for advice before proceeding with medications if you are uncertain of the effects.