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Pityriasis rosea
Rash - pityriasis rosea; Papulosquamous - pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a common type of skin rash seen in young adults.
Causes
Pityriasis rosea is believed to be caused by a virus. It occurs most often in the fall and spring.
Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to spread from one person to another.
Symptoms
Attacks most often last 4 to 8 weeks. Symptoms may disappear by 3 weeks or last as long as 12 weeks.
The rash starts with a single large patch called a herald patch. After several days, more skin rashes will appear on the chest, back, arms, and legs.
Patch
A patch is a flat area of color change in the skin that is 1 cm or more wide.
The skin rashes:
- Are often pink or pale red
- Are oval in shape
- May be scaly
- May follow lines in the skin or appear in a "Christmas tree" pattern
- May itch
Exams and Tests
Your health care provider can often diagnose pityriasis rosea by the way the rash looks.
In rare cases, the following tests are needed:
- A blood test to be sure it is not a form of syphilis, which can cause a similar rash
-
A
skin biopsy
to confirm the diagnosis
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
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Treatment
If symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.
Your provider may suggest gentle bathing, mild lubricants or creams, or mild hydrocortisone creams to soothe your skin.
Antihistamines taken by mouth may be used to reduce itching. You can buy antihistamines at the store without a prescription.
Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment may help make the rash go away more quickly. However, you must be careful to avoid sunburn.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Pityriasis rosea often goes away within 6 to 12 weeks. It usually doesn't come back.
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your provider if you have symptoms of pityriasis rosea.
References
Habif TP. Psoriasis and other papulosquamous diseases. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 8.
Muncaster AE. Pityriasis rosea. In: Lebwohl MG, Heymann WR, Berth-Jones J, Coulson I, eds. Treatment of Skin Disease: Comprehensive Therapeutic Strategies . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 186.
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Pityriasis rosea on the chest - illustration
Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease that produces oval spots (papules) over the trunk. The rash is frequently preceded by a "herald patch" (pictured here) lasting 1 to 2 weeks. The rash is usually rose red to brownish red with fine scales and central clearing. Itching (pruritus) occasionally occurs. Spontaneous remission occurs in 2 to 8 weeks. It is probably caused by an infectious agent, most likely a virus.
Pityriasis rosea on the chest
illustration
-
Pityriasis rosea on the chest - illustration
Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease that produces oval spots (papules) over the trunk. The rash is frequently preceded by a "herald patch" (pictured here) lasting 1 to 2 weeks. The rash is usually rose red to brownish red with fine scales and central clearing. Itching (pruritus) occasionally occurs. Spontaneous remission occurs in 2 to 8 weeks. It is probably caused by an infectious agent, most likely a virus.
Pityriasis rosea on the chest
illustration
Review Date: 12/10/2016
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Clinical Associate Professor, Department of Family Medicine, UW Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
