What can pityriasis rosea be mistaken for?
Diagnosis of pityriasis rosea Pityriasis rosea can be mistaken for skin conditions such as tinea (a fungal skin infection also known as ringworm) or psoriasis, so careful diagnosis is needed. Other less common illnesses, such as syphilis, may also cause a similar rash.
What causes pityriasis rosea to flare up?
The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unclear. Some evidence indicates the rash may be triggered by a viral infection, particularly by certain strains of the herpes virus. But it’s not related to the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Pityriasis rosea isn’t believed to be contagious.
Is pityriasis rosea an autoimmune disease?
Although a virus is believed to cause pityriasis rosea, the disorder is not thought to be contagious. Some researchers have theorized that autoimmune factors may play a role in the development of pityriasis rosea. Autoimmunity is when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue for unknown reasons.
Is pityriasis rosea for life?
Pityriasis rosea is a condition that will clear itself naturally. No treatment is needed. It usually lasts for 2-12 weeks but can last as long as five months. Most commonly it lasts about five weeks before going away completely.
What worsens pityriasis rosea?
Hot water and strong soaps can worsen the rash and the itch. If your rash doesn’t itch, taking a hot shower or using a strong soap can trigger an itch.
Can pityriasis rosea get on your face?
Pityriasis rosea appears mostly on the torso, but it’s not uncommon for it to spread around the body. It may appear on the arms, neck and even the scalp. The rash rarely spreads to the face. It’s unknown whether pityriasis rosea is contagious and there is no cure.
What virus is associated with pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is associated with systemic active infection with both human herpesvirus-7 and human herpesvirus-6.
Can you have pityriasis rosea twice?
Many people develop pityriasis rosea once and never get it again. However, it’s possible to develop the rash more than once. In studies, between 2% and 3% of people develop the disease again. While unusual, one patient developed pityriasis rosea once a year for 5 years in a row.
How can I make pityriasis rosea go away faster?
The following tips may help relieve the discomfort of pityriasis rosea:
- Take over-the-counter allergy medicine (antihistamines). These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).
- Bathe or shower in lukewarm water.
- Take an oatmeal bath.
- Apply a moisturizer, calamine lotion or an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.
How long does it take for pityriasis rosea to stop spreading?
If you have pityriasis rosea, the rash with go away without treatment. Some people see the rash disappear within 6 to 8 weeks, but it can take 5 months or longer for the skin to clear.
What causes pityriasis rosea Gibert?
Rationale: Pityriasis rosea Gibert is an erythematous-papulosquamous dermatosis that frequently occurs in young adults. The etiopathogenesis of PR is still unknown, but is frequently associated with episodes of upper respiratory tract infections.
Can pityriasis rosea cause cold sores?
The ones found in people with pityriasis rosea are human herpesviruses 6 and 7. These types cannot cause cold sores or genital herpes. Human herpesviruses 6 and 7 are common.
Does pityriasis rosea go away on its own?
Pityriasis rosea (rash) Pityriasis (pit-ih-RIE-uh-sis) rosea can affect any age group. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 35. It usually goes away on its own within 10 weeks. Pityriasis rosea can cause itching. Treatment may help relieve the symptoms.
What is the difference between pityriasis rosea and herald patch?
The herald patch is typically followed by smaller spots that sweep out from the middle of your body in a shape that resembles drooping pine-tree branches. Pityriasis (pit-ih-RIE-uh-sis) rosea can affect any age group. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 35. It usually goes away on its own within 10 weeks.