Pityriasis Rosea

What is it?

A common condition that causes a temporary rash from 2-12 weeks, it mainly occurs in autumn and spring,

It is not normally contagious however it needs to be diagnosed by a Medical healthcare professional for confirmation and distinguish from other contagious skin conditions.
It starts from a single oval pink scaly skin rash (held patch) which appears on the neck, upper arms chest, back, tummy and upper thighs and then approximately one or two weeks later develop to a widespread rash.
This condition can last from 5- 8 weeks.
It affects more females than males from age groups 10-35 years old.

Diagnosis tests

No definitive one for this condition however further tests are required to rule out other contagious skin conditions i.e. Syphilis

Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs can be used under medical supervision as this medication can also cause this skin condition to flare-up, Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs is not recommended in asthma or asthma type symptoms. Check with your Medical doctor/Pharmacist when one can have any type of fever reducing medication to make sure it suitable for you. Do not give Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs in chicken pox (without medical advice) and dengue.

Cause

Unknown:
- Believed to be viral

Medication

Pityriasis rosea–like eruptions can also occur in association with many drugs i.e.

Acetylsalicylic acid
Barbiturates
Bismuth
Captopril
Clonidine
Gold
Imatinib
Isotretinoin
Ketotifen
Levamisole
Metronidazole
Omeprazole
D-penicillamine
Terbinafine
Certain vaccines

Medscape

Source: PCDS.org.uk 'Picture of HEARALD PATCH with widespread rash'

Source: Patient Help

Source: https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5233

Source: https://www.slideshare.net/bausherwillayat/pityriasis-rosea-92852523

Source: https://www.sciencephoto.com/media/641881/view/pityriasis-rosea

Source: https://2017.prepsa.courses.aap.org/PrepSA/Modal/Media.aspx?key=e65db134-4323-45e2-8804-6e23da2536b6

Source: https://medcomic.com/medcomic/pityriasis-rosea/

Source: https://www.newhealthadvisor.com/Pityriasis-Rosea-Stages.html

Symptoms

Initial symptoms:

High temperature greater than 38°C (100°F) or over and/or chills and sweats longer than 72 hours?
Headache which is on and off or a constant headache longer than 24 hours?
Joint stiffness and pain?
Herald patch (It ranges in size from 2cm to 10cm. It can appear on your tummy, chest, back or neck, and less commonly on the face or scalp, or near your genitals)?

Then widespread rash (spreading over a period of two to six weeks):

New rash that has appeared or existing rash appears like red scaly patches getting worst spreading on neck, upper arms chest, back, tummy and upper thighs (on fair skin appear pink and on dark skin appear dark brown, black)?
Rash appears like a ‘Christmas tree’ like pattern on upper back and v-shape across neck?

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

Treatments

Itching with pityriasis rosea can sometimes be reduced with:

Oatmeal baths
Lukewarm (rather than hot) baths and showers
Anti-histamine medication (please speak to your pharmacist/medical doctor

The rash should go away on its own within 6–8 weeks (sometimes 3-5 months), see your doctor for evaluation of any widespread rash.

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Pityriasis Rosea in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

Medical News Today
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Healthline
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EveryDay Health
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Pharmaceutical Journal (Professional level)
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NHS
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WebMD
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Cleveland Clinic
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Mayo Clinic
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Drugs.com
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National Organisation of Rare Diseases
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Verywell Health
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Nathnac
Travel health guidance for health professionals advising travellers and for travellers going overseas from the UK.
DR Axe
Health and fitness news. Recipes, Natural Remedies
Better health - NHS
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