Pityriasis rosea is a common skin disease found in children and young adults. It occurs between the ages of 10 to 30 years. To begin with the rash appears as a large spot on the skin, it is called as herald patch. After few days cluster of smaller patches appear. These patches mostly begin from the upper part of the body and gradually spread to the other parts of the body. The first large spot begins on chest, back or on abdomen.
Pityriasis is observed in spring and autumn than in other seasons.
Causes Of Pityriasis Rosea
The cause still remains uncertain, but the probable cause is virus origin. This virus is believed to be of herpes virus family. It is non infectious rash.
Rash becomes more painful after exercise. For example after running, playing outdoor games and after gymnasium workout the symptoms get aggravated. Use of bath soap and oil also worsens itching and other rash symptoms.
Pityriasis rosea is diagnosed on examination. However, many times it has to be differentiated with other similar rashes such as that of ringworm or psoriasis. Nowadays syphilis has become rare but the rash appears similar to that of pityriasis rosea. The dermatologist may take a piece of skin biopsy for analysis and determining the exact condition.
Pityriasis Rosea Symptoms
Pityriasis rosea primarily begins as a large patch, slightly raised from the skin surface. This single patch is called herald patch. It usually appears on upper body, on chest, upper back or on abdomen. Few individuals may have history of fever or throat problems before appearance of herald patch.
After a week, smaller patches begin to appear on trunk, back and on abdomen. The rash then spreads to upper thigh. Randomly, the rash may also spread to neck and lower part of face. Their appearance resembles similar to Christmas tree. There may be mild to severe itching along the rash.
Home Remedies For Pityriasis Rosea
Pityriasis rosea is not a serious skin condition. The rashes usually heal on their own after 2 to 3 weeks. There is no way to heal the rashes earlier and therefore the main aim of treatment is to alleviate severity of symptoms.
- Physicians usually prescribe soothing lotions and creams to apply on the rash. This may reduce itching and irritation which are common in pityriasis rosea.
- Applying rose water over rash may also reduce itching. It is an effective home remedy for Pityriasis rosea. Hot water baths may flare up the condition therefore lukewarm bath is advised.
- Ultraviolet light treatment may be necessary in some cases; it should be undertaken under the guidance of a dermatologist. Instead the patient can remain in sunlight for few hours to obtain ultraviolet light from sun rays.
- If itching is intolerable oat meal bath may help to alleviate it. Applying aloe vera gel may also soothe itching.
- Affected person should avoid doing rigorous exercise as it may cause sweating. Excessive perspiration may aggravate itching.