Medicines for Pityriasis rosea

What it is

Pityriasis rosea is a common, harmless skin rash that mainly affects older children and young adults. It often begins with a single, larger oval patch of scaly skin (called a "herald patch"), usually on the trunk, which appears a few days to a couple of weeks before the main rash. This is then followed by a widespread rash of smaller, oval, scaly patches (pink or discoloured, and sometimes with a fine collarette of scale), which are typically distributed over the trunk and upper limbs, and on the back can form a pattern that has been likened to a "Christmas tree". The rash may be mildly itchy or cause no symptoms, and some people have a mild viral-type illness (feeling slightly unwell) before it starts, which fits with the belief that it may be triggered by a viral infection. The key features of pityriasis rosea are that it is harmless, not contagious in any significant way, and — importantly — self-limiting: it clears up on its own, usually over about 6 to 12 weeks (sometimes a little longer), without causing any lasting problems. It can occasionally look similar to other rashes, so it is sometimes confirmed by a doctor.

How it is treated

Because pityriasis rosea is harmless and clears on its own, the main part of care is reassurance and, where needed, simple measures to ease any itching — no specific treatment is required to cure it, as it resolves by itself. Understanding that it is a benign, self-limiting rash that will fade over several weeks and does not usually recur is reassuring. For any itching, simple measures help — such as emollients (moisturisers), gentle skin care, avoiding harsh soaps and overheating (hot showers and vigorous exercise can sometimes make the rash more prominent temporarily), and, if itching is more troublesome, a mild steroid cream or antihistamines can be used. A doctor may confirm the diagnosis, particularly as the rash can resemble other conditions (and, for example, certain other rashes need excluding). After it clears, the skin sometimes remains slightly discoloured for a while, especially on darker skin, before returning to normal. It is worth mentioning that, rarely, medicines or other conditions can cause a similar rash, which a doctor would consider. The reassuring message is that pityriasis rosea is a common, harmless, self-limiting rash that clears on its own over several weeks and needs nothing more than reassurance and, if needed, simple measures for itching.