Pityriasis Rosea

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Most people don't feel unwell. A mild headache or tiredness may be all that occurs.

The rash usually starts with a 'herald patch'. This is usually an oval shaped red patch about 2-5 cms in diameter. Common sites for this are the chest, abdomen, neck, back, thigh or upper arms. However, it is common not to have (or not to notice) a herald patch.

Following the herald patch, usually 5-15 days later, a more widespread rash gradually appears over about 10 days. This rash can spread over most of the body. It usually consists of oval shaped spots 1-3 cm in diameter which are pinky in colour. Often the spots seem to form lines in parallel with the skin creases.

Although the rash may seem alarming, you are not unwell with the rash. At worst, the rash might be slightly itchy. The rash fades in time but this may take several weeks. It leaves no marks and there is no damage done. Second attacks are very rare, but have been reported.

This description is the typical case which most people seem to have. Occasionally, the rash may just affect the arms and legs. Rarely, it can cause scaling or flaking of the skin which can be troublesome.

There is no treatment that will clear the rash quicker than its natural course. Calamine lotion may help the mild itch. Sometimes, if the itch is troublesome, a mild steroid cream may help. (For example, hydrocortisone cream which you can buy at pharmacies or get on prescription.)

© EMIS and PIP 2006   Updated: June 2006