05/05/2003 - Questions and Answers
Pityriasis rosea
By: Mark Castleden
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Question
I have a skin rash - I think it's pityriasis rosea. I would like to see a picture of it. I'm told it's quite common.
Answer
Pityriasis rosea is a harmless skin disease which causes a rash of itchy, scaly patches that appear over the torso, neck, arms, and legs. Anyone can get it, but it is most common in people ages 10 to 35.
It starts as a single patch, 1-2 inches long, called the "herald patch". Numerous smaller patches follow - but they disappear on their own within a few months. They may itch enough to require application of a hydrocortisone cream (e.g. Cortaid). Otherwise no treatment is necessary.
There's a picture of this condition in the first link below.
Links
Created on: 05/01/2003
Reviewed on: 05/05/2003
Reviewed on: 05/05/2003
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