Pityriasis rosea: symptoms, causes, to medicine • hello healthy

Definition

What is pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease in the form of an itchy rash on the skin.

These spots usually disappear after 2 - 8 weeks without any scars, but the disease sometimes takes longer to heal. Fortunately, this disease is not contagious.

How common is this condition?

Pityriasis rosea is generally more experienced by men than women. The age range of 10 - 35 years is more often affected by this disease.

The appearance of symptoms can be overcome by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pityriasis rosea?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, pityriasis rosea is a condition that usually starts with large scaly patches on the back, chest, or stomach. You may also feel a little itchy.

Other symptoms may include fatigue, fever, headache, and sore throat. In most cases, these symptoms will go away when the rash starts to appear.

Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

When should I see a doctor?

If you have signs or symptoms that persist and don't go away, talk to your doctor.

Every body functions differently from one another. Always discuss with your doctor to find the best solution for your situation.

Causes and risk factors

What causes pityriasis rosea?

At this time, scientists have not determined the cause of the rash due to pityriasis rosea. There is ample evidence that this disease can occur due to viral infection.

This condition is often associated with the herpes viruses types 6 and 7. The herpes virus is different from the viruses that cause genital herpes. Usually, this virus infects children. If it is infected, this virus will stay in the body.

Indeed, viruses generally will not cause problems if your immune system is working properly. However, when the immune system weakens, this virus can reactivate and cause symptoms of a rash on the skin.

In some cases, viruses and flu vaccines can also trigger pityriasis rosea.

What increases my risk for pityriasis rosea?

As to the cause, the factors that increase the risk of this condition are poorly understood. However, children tend to be more susceptible to this disease than adults.

Contact your doctor if you have questions or concerns. The absence of risk does not mean that you are free from possible exposure to distractions.

The features and symptoms listed are for reference only. You need to consult a doctor for more information.

Diagnosis and treatment

What are the tests that are usually done to diagnose this condition?

The doctor will examine your rash and ask questions about your health. If you have a characteristic pityriasis rosea rash, your doctor may be able to diagnose you. The rash is clearly visible to the naked eye.

Quoted from the American Academy of Dermatology Association, you need to tell your doctor if you experience:

• pregnant,
• have had an organ transplant, as well
• taking certain drugs.

Some medications can cause rashes similar to this condition, so it's important to get rid of them.

Sometimes, testing is needed to rule out another possible condition, it seems. When tests are needed, your doctor may order blood tests.

What are the treatment options for pityriasis rosea?

In most cases, pityriasis rosea goes away on its own in 4 - 10 weeks. If the rash doesn't go away or if the itching bothers you, talk to your doctor. This condition can heal without scarring and usually will not recur.

However, the rash may occur more than once. In a study cited by the American Academy of Dermatology Association, between 2% and 3% of people developed the same disease again.

In rare cases, a person develops this condition once a year for five consecutive years.

Here are the treatment options.

Chemical drugs

If home remedies don't reduce symptoms or shorten the duration of pityriasis rosea, your doctor may prescribe medication. Medicines to treat pityriasis rosea are:

• corticosteroids,
• antihistamines, and
• antiviral drugs, such as acyclovir (Zovirax).

Light therapy

Natural or artificial sunlight can help the rash fade. Light therapy can cause darkening that lasts a long time in certain places, even after the rash has cleared up.

If left untreated, pityriasis rosea can also cause complications. Although rare, complications of pityriasis rosea are:

• severe itching of the skin, as well
• when the skin is dark, brown spots that persist long after the rash heals.

Pregnant women are at an increased risk of serious complications from pityriasis rosea. If you are pregnant and have pityriasis rosea, talk to an obstetrician.

Home remedies

What are the home remedies for pityriasis rosea?

The rash can go away on its own with home remedies. Below are simple remedies that may help treat the rash caused by pityriasis rosea.

Try to prevent overheating

Heat can worsen the rash and itching. To reduce the risk of overheating, you can:

• avoid hot temperatures whenever possible,
• stop strenuous activity when you have a rash, as well
• stay away from hot tubs.

Reduce discomfort due to bathing and skin care

Hot water and soaps with chemicals can worsen the rash and itching. If your rash doesn't itch, taking a hot shower or using soap can trigger the itch.

To avoid this, a dermatologist recommends the following when you have a rash.

• Avoid skin care products that are labeled antibacterial and that contain deodorants.
• Take a warm bath.
• Choose a soap that is gentle and fragrance-free.
• Apply a fragrance-free moisturizing product all over the affected skin within three minutes of showering.

Protect the rash from the sun

Exposure to sunburn when you have pityriasis rosea can be painful. Reduce the risk of sunburn by doing the things below.

• Cover the rash with loose clothing.
• Find a shaded area if possible.
• Apply a fragrance-free sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

Use concealer

If you have a rash on your face that is embarrassing, use it concealer. To avoid irritation of the rash, use it concealer for sensitive skin.

Treat itching

The rash caused by pityriasis rosea is often itchy. To deal with itching at home, you can do the following.

• Place a cold compress on your itchy skin. To make a cold compress, place a clean washcloth under cool running water. Once soaked, squeeze out any excess water and apply a washcloth to your itchy skin.
• Use pramoxine lotion, hydrocortisone cream, or genital lotion for itchy skin. If you are treating a rash of a child under 12 years of age, check with the pediatrician before taking this step.
• Take antihistamine pills. To prevent waking from sleep due to itching, you can take antihistamine pills before bed.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.