Pityriasis Rosea
Overview
SymptomsandDiagnosis
Symptoms
Before a rash appears, the first symptoms may be similar to the common cold. They may include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Joint pain
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Irritability
When the rash appears, symptoms may include:
- A herald patch—large, oval, scaly patch that is often on the back, stomach, armpit, or chest. It is often the first lesion to appear.
-
Rose-colored patches that appear after several days to 2 weeks that may have scaly edges.
- Patches found on the back tend to form a Christmas tree pattern.
-
Patches are not typically itchy, but mild-to-severe itching may occur.
- Itching worsens when the body overheats.
- This may happen during physical activities or after taking a hot shower.
- Skin redness or inflammation
Diagnosis
You will be asked about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Pityriasis rosea can usually be diagnosed by looking at your rash. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin disorders (dermatologist) if the rash is difficult to identify.
Testing is usually not needed, but your bodily fluids and tissues may be tested if the diagnosis is uncertain. This can be done with:
- Blood tests
- Skin scrape
- Skin biopsy
Skin Biopsy |
![]() |
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. |
Treatments
Treatment
There is no cure for pityriasis rosea. The rash may last for several months. It will usually go away on its own.
Treatment may be able to relieve some of the symptoms, such as itching. Treatment options include the following:
Medications
Medications to relieve itching and inflammation caused by pityriasis rosea include:
- Antihistamine pills
- Steroid creams or ointments
- Calamine, zinc oxide, or other soothing lotions
- Antiviral medication
Other Treatments
- Avoid physical activities that can raise your body temperature. This can make itching worse.
- Avoid hot baths or showers. Oatmeal baths may also soothe the itching.
- Sunlight or medical treatment with artificial ultraviolet light may speed the healing process. Be careful to avoid sunburn.
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
Edits to original content made by Denver Health.
Copyright © EBSCO Information Services
All rights reserved.
RESOURCES
American Academy of Dermatology http://www.aad.org
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology http://www.aocd.org
CANADIAN RESOURCES
The College of Family Physicians of Canada http://www.cfpc.ca
Health Canada https://www.canada.ca
References
Pityriasis rosea. American Academy of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aad.org/dermatology-a-to-z/diseases-and-treatments/m---p/pityriasis-rosea. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Pityriasis rosea. American Family Physician website. Available at: http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/pityriasis-rosea.printerview.all.html. Updated April 2014. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Pityriasis rosea. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology website. Available at: http://www.aocd.org/skin/dermatologic%5Fdiseases/pityriasis%5Frosea.html. Accessed December 21, 2017.
Pityriasis rosea. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at: http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T115956/Pityriasis-rosea . Updated August 20, 2015. Accessed December 21, 2017.