Are You Wondering If Pityriasis Rosea Is Contagious: Understanding Christmas Rash
Pityriasis Rosea isn’t always identified properly right away. Some doctors believe that the underlying cause is bacteria or a virus. Experts do not think it’s due to a fungus or allergy. Sometimes the herald patch is confused with ringworm rashes. The hearld patch of pityriasis rosea often appears on chest or back areas , however not everyone with this rash gets the herald patch symptom.
Fortunately, it usually lasts from four to fourteen weeks and will then disappear. It also doesn’t usually return. For some with this rash there is itching, for others it doesn’t have this symptom. When there is itching it is often the result of the body heating (through exercise or a hot bath). It can occur on arms, legs, chest and back areas but this usually emerges after the initial herald patch. The phrase Christmas rash is connected to pityriasis rosea because for some people the shape on the back can resemble a Christmas tree.
Pityriasis rosea can appear similar to psoriasis, ringworm and certain forms of eczema. Though the rash will subside on it’s own, some ways to reduce the symptoms include taking evening primrose oil, borage oil or another oil that contains gla. If you have itching, an antihistamine can be helpful. During the day, due to benadryl making one drowsy, it is better to use an anti-drowsy formula.
My friend had pityriasis rosae and it really did look like a Christmas tree on her back. I think she had it for around 6 weeks. We thought it was ring worm rash but it wasn’t.
I read that pityriasis rosia can be helped with erythromycin which is interesting because maybe it is tied up with a bacterial infection. I think they still don’t know the causes of it.
I remember hearing that pitiriasis rosea occurs more in spring and fall than other times of year. Does that mean it’s like an allergy because that’s when people get hay fever too.
It is not usually contagious but can be. I have had it on my chest and my boyfriend soon got it also. The Dr. believes we had a viral infection previously…causing us both to get it.