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Definition Return to top
Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder involving a characteristic rash.Causes, incidence, and risk factors Return to top
This disorder is a common skin rash of young people, especially young adults. It occurs most commonly in the fall and spring, and a virus is suspected as the cause. Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious.Symptoms Return to top
Signs and tests Return to top
Your physician can usually diagnose pityriasis rosea based on the appearance of the rash. A blood test may be required, however, to distinguish pityriasis rosea from the very similar rash seen in secondary syphilis. Occasionally, a skin biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.Treatment Return to top
If symptoms are mild, no treatment may be needed.
Gentle bathing, mild lubricants or creams, or mild hydrocortisone creams may be used to soothe inflammation. Oral antihistamines may be used to reduce itching.
Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet light treatment may help speed resolution of lesions. However, care must be taken to avoid sunburn.
Expectations (prognosis) Return to top
Pityriasis rosea usually goes away within 6 to 12 weeks. Recurrences are unusual.Calling your health care provider Return to top
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder. Update Date: 4/15/2003 Updated by: Michael Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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Page last updated: 28 October 2004 |