Pityriasis rosea
A harmless rash that starts with one large oval patch, then spreads as smaller pink patches and settles on its own.
What it is
Pityriasis rosea is a rash occurring on the skin which can last for several weeks. It usually occurs in children and young adults. It often begins as a single large scaly oval patch on the chest or back, called the herald or mother patch. Within a week or two, multiple pink oval patches appear on the body, arms, thighs and sometimes on the neck. These spots are smaller than the herald patch, and over the back they often form a pattern resembling the outline of an evergreen tree with drooping branches. The rash causes no symptoms, or mild itching.
What causes it
The cause is unknown. It is not caused by a fungal or bacterial infection. It is neither an allergic reaction nor a sign of any internal disease. A virus has been suggested, based on the fact that the disease occurs only once, starts suddenly and often settles by itself, but this theory has not been proven. It does not spread from person to person.
How we treat it
Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting disorder, but it may take as long as six to eight weeks — nearly two months — to settle, so you need a lot of patience. Your dermatologist may prescribe soothing lotions, emollients and antihistamines for the itching. Topical steroids may be required. Ultraviolet light treatment under supervision may be helpful.
What you can do
You can continue all normal activities, including going to school or work. You can bathe, use soap and eat a normal diet.
“Be reassured that it is a common and harmless disorder.” — Dr. D. A. Satish, patient leaflet
Written from the clinic's own patient leaflet, by Dr. D. A. Satish.
Common questions
- What skin conditions do you treat?
- The clinic's own patient leaflets cover acne and acne scarring, psoriasis, vitiligo, lichen planus and lichen planus pigmentosus, rosacea, urticaria, hidradenitis suppurativa, pityriasis rosea and keratolysis exfoliativa; fungal infections including tinea and pityriasis versicolor; shingles, cold sores, warts, scabies and molluscum contagiosum; male- and female-pattern hair loss; and the skin signs of polycystic ovarian syndrome. Dr Satish's stated special interests are clinical dermatology, acne, aesthetic dermatology and photodermatology.
- Do you see children?
- Yes. Several of the clinic's leaflets deal with conditions common in children — pityriasis rosea, tinea capitis on the scalp, keratolysis exfoliativa and guttate psoriasis. Dr Satish is a life member of the Indian Society for Paediatric Dermatology and served as its President in 2003–2004. Dr Lakshmi Satish was Honorary ENT Consultant at the Indira Gandhi Institute of Child Health for eleven years, and paediatric ENT is one of her special interests.
- Can my skin condition be cured?
- That depends entirely on the condition, and your doctor will tell you honestly what to expect. Some conditions clear completely with treatment — fungal infections, scabies and pityriasis versicolor among them. Some settle on their own, such as pityriasis rosea, which takes six to eight weeks. Others are long-term conditions that treatment controls rather than cures: Dr Satish's psoriasis leaflet states plainly that treatment can clear or greatly improve psoriasis in most cases but does not cure it. This clinic does not guarantee a cure or a specific outcome for any treatment.
Please note
The information on this website is for general education only. It is not a substitute for a consultation, a diagnosis or a prescription. Always see a qualified doctor about your own condition.
Results of any medical or cosmetic treatment vary from person to person. This clinic does not guarantee a cure or a specific outcome.