Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder with a characteristic rash / scaly patch that sometimes itches over torso, neck, arms and legs.



This disorder is quite common skin rash amongst young people.

The signs of pityriasis rosea begin with a large scaly pink, oval patch called "herald or mother patch" often mistaken as a symptom of ringworm. Slowly more pink patches appear on the elsewhere on the body such as chest, back, arms, thighs, and legs.



Symptoms are skin lesion or rash, itching either mild or severe of the lesion and skin redness or inflammation.

It may be set off by a viral infection but does not appear to be contagious. It is not related to foods, medicines, or stress.



Hence the cause for this disorder is not known. Pityriasis rosea usually avoids the face, although sometimes a few spots spread to the cheeks. Slowly and steadily, the patches can produce a very severe and widespread skin eruption.



Physical activities like jogging, running, etc may cause the rash to worsen and become more painful.

Pityriasis rosea clears up by itself in about six to twelve weeks. When clear, the skin returns to its normal appearance. It leaves no scars, although pale marks or brown discoloration may persist for a few months.



There are no treatments that cure pityriasis rosea; the disease must run its course.

The rash is irritated by soap; bathe or shower with plain water and bath oil, aqueous cream, or other soap substitute.

Apply moisturizing creams to dry skin.

It does not require much treatment and goes away by itself. Soothing medicated lotions, creams may be prescribed for external itching.





Lukewarm water bath instead of hot baths are recommended.

Under the supervision of the dermatologist, ultraviolet light treatments can be given too.

If the rash itches, treatment with a steroid cream or ointment usually brings prompt relief. The steroid probably does not speed up clearance of pityriasis rosea but it reduces the discomfort.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.