Although at first, the person suffering from pityriasis rosea may be scared by the severity of this condition, the truth is that it is widespread and does not involve any danger. Known as pityriasis rosea, or Gibert’s disease, it is one of the most common skin diseases, occurring in numerous cases every year, especially in the spring and autumn months.
Pityriasis rosea begins as a rash on the torso or back that is spread over different areas of the skin with small reddish spots, spots that can be accompanied by itching and other symptoms. Next, at FastlyHeal, we will explain everything about pityriasis rosea: its causes, symptoms, and treatment, so that you know what is happening to you and you can recover as soon as possible.
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What is pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition. We do not yet know its causes. Young people between the ages of 10 and 35 and pregnant women are the two population groups most prone to contracting it, but it can also occur in any other individual.
It has a peaceful development that does not carry any other complications apart from the rash it causes on the skin. In principle, unless you want to treat the symptoms it causes, there is no treatment to cure it other than letting time pass.
After four weeks, the marks on the skin are already low, and after two months, there is usually no trace of pityriasis. Below we will explain the possible causes, the symptoms that it causes, and the treatment that is generally given to those affected.
Causes of pityriasis rosea
Despite the studies that have been done in this regard, we still cannot be sure of the causes of pityriasis rosea. Although it is thought that it can be caused by some transmissible agent, such as a virus, the fact that it has a peaceful development does not make it essential to know why it occurs. However, some statistics tell us which population groups are most likely to suffer from pityriasis rosea.
This skin condition is more common in pregnant women and young people between 10 and 35 years old, although there have also been cases in elderly and young children. Thus, it is a benign condition that can occur at any age and is more common in temperate zones and the spring and autumn months.
Pityriasis rosea and its symptoms
Until the first skin marks appear, it is tough to detect pityriasis rosea through its symptoms, especially considering that these symptoms do not appear in many cases. Yes, certain people indeed feel a feeling of tiredness, numbness, nasal congestion, and headaches, like the incubation process of the flu or a common cold.
The symptoms that can alert us to the appearance of pityriasis rosea are the following:
- In about 70% of cases, before the appearance of the rash, there may be a case of respiratory infection .
- The first manifestation of this disease on the skin is the appearance of the heraldic plaque or precursor spot, between 2 and 10 cm in diameter, located on the chest, back, or armpits.
- Between 1 and 2 weeks after the appearance of the heraldic plaque, rashes appear all over the torso, pink spots of different sizes that can spread over the extremities.
- In the following days, rashes may appear on the back and neck, and a few occasions, on the face.
- 25% of those affected by pityriasis rosea suffer from itching, usually moderate, which has more to do with dry skin than with the course of the disease itself.
- Headaches and physical exhaustion can accompany the rash.
It is pretty standard for the skin to flake during the disease development and form small bumps. The epithet “pink” comes from the characteristic pink-red color that it leaves in fair-skinned people; however, in dark-skinned people, these spots are also dark and can remain on the skin for much longer.
The rash caused by pityriasis usually generates small, oval spots, which always have the same growth pattern on the back, similar to the shape of a Christmas tree, and are more evident if the person is warm or if they have been practicing sport.
Treatment for pityriasis rosea
As we have already explained before, most people affected by pityriasis rosea regain normal skin between 2 and 3 months after the symptoms began. But what treatment is given during this time? The reality is that there is no treatment designed to cure pityriasis.
This condition does not require a cure; the simple passage of time is the best medicine. However, in some instances, the symptoms can be treated to alleviate them and not cause discomfort to the patient. The advice that is consistently given is to try to keep the skin constantly hydrated as a measure to control itching. Still, if it worsens, antihistamines can also be prescribed to reduce it. In severe cases, ultraviolet B therapy can only be done with specialized dermatologists.
Tips for treating pityriasis rosea
- A good home remedy to treat pityriasis rosea is to take oatmeal baths to relieve itching and keep the skin hydrated.
- Light therapy is also recommended; this is sunbathing for a while every day. Considering that burns could worsen your condition, it is convenient to be exposed for a few minutes.
- Do not scratch the rashes; if you do not irritate your skin, you will not have any marks or sequels on your skin.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Pityriasis rosea: causes, symptoms, and treatment , we recommend that you enter our Skin, hair and nails category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.