Pityriasis Rosea Information and Treatment 

Pityriasis rosea (PR) is a common benign papulosquamous disease which was initially described by Camille Melchior Gibert in 1860. PR has often been considered to be a viral exanthem. Its clinical presentation supports this concept. It appears as a rash that can last from several weeks to several months. The way the rash appear can differ from person to person.

The skin rash follows a very peculiar pattern. In 3/4 of the cases, a single, obscure oval scaly patch (the "herald patch") appears on the body, particularly on the trunk, upper arms, neck, or thighs. It happens most commonly in the fall and spring, and a virus is suspected as the cause.

Pityriasis rosea most often affects teenagers or young adults. Though its exact cause is mysterious 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. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in people ages 10 to 35.

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disease. In some cases there are no other symptoms, but in some studies the rash follows a few days after a upper respiratory viral infection. It generally develops in patches on the back, chest, and stomach. It usually starts as one large spot on your chest, abdomen or back and then spreads. Some patients having this disease will have some itching that can be severe, especially when the patient becomes overheated.

Pityriasis rosea usually goes away on its own within six to eight weeks. Disease may have many clinical variations.  It has some characteristics of a viral infection. One to two weeks later, more smaller, but alike, patches will manifest on the trunk, arms, and legs.

The rash of pityriasis rosea can look like eczema, ringworm or psoriasis. It is not possible to make the rash vanish any faster, so treatment aims to manage the symptoms. There is no direct treatment for this condition - however, corticosteroid creams may be decreed to help relieve the itching. Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet light treatment can relieve speed resolution of lesions.