Pityriasis Rosea is a skin rash that is itchy for about less than half of the people who contract it. Is it called “pity” for a reason? LOL. This is one possible rash diagnpsis give to me for my spots. It usually begins with the ‘herald patch’ but not always. Then there are spots on trunk and extremieties that develop. Though it’s said to be a young person’s rash, I know people in their fifties and sixties with this diagnosis. Remember that with a rash there are classic symptoms but there are many people who do not have them as well. You may not have the herald patch, but you can still have pityriasis rosea.

The analysis of the cause varies. Some say it is a type of
herpes virus- ie number 7. Others attribute it to a virus and still a nother group of experts think it is a drug related rash.

If you are someone who is uncomfortable by the itching they recommend steroid creams and antihistamines. Though some have the classical look of the christmas tree branches and hearald patch that announces the rash, others don’t . It may look like eczema, psoriasis , erythema multiforme or a fungus rash so try to get a biopsy if you can to narrow it down. this will help you learn if it’s contagious and also which meds will treat it best.

Some people will have a respiratory infection. The duration can be a few weeks to a few months before it resolves. It is more common in females than males. Zinc oxide can be helpful as an external treatment. It is not viewed as contagious which is a relief to many suffering from it. To add that fear on top of a skin problem that may take months to resolve makes human interactions quite difficult. One doesn’t want to pass it on to another . Yet isolation during a rash can be quite difficult.

Sunlight can be helpful for some, but sometimes heat can be a problem. Warm rather than hot showers are advised as well as a mild soap. It seems to be seasonal and there is higher incidence in the fall and spring than other seasons.