Pityriasis Rosacea: Learn All You Need to Know

Pityriasis rosacea is a type of skin condition that results in reddish-pink and scaly skin rash. Also known as Pityriasis rosea, occurs very commonly in young adults and children, but it may also affect people of any age. People falling in the age group 10 to 35 are more susceptible to this skin disease. Spring and fall are the two seasons when this disease becomes very widespread.

Symptoms of Pitiriasis Rosacea

If you get pitiriasis rosacea, what will feel? At first, you may get the feeling that you have a bad cold. Then, you will develop a single red scaly spot either on your stomach or on your back. This spot is known as the mother or the herald patch and it is the first sign of the disease. After a few days or weeks, smaller spots will gradually start appearing on your body. These spots turn into itchy rash. If you get rash on your back, then it may take the appearance of a Christmas tree.

The itchy rash can last from many weeks to many months. Generally, pityriasis rosacea
does not result in lasting rash marks on the skin. However, some darker-skinned people may get some long lasting flat brown marks, which fade after some time. Other symptoms such as fatigue and aching may also develop in many patients.

When Do The Skin Lesions Worsen?

On certain occasions, pityriasis rosacea can lead to a very widespread and severe skin eruption. Nearly half of the patients will experience some kind of itching, particularly when they sweat or become warm. The skin lesions and rash may become more obvious or worsen temporarily with physical activities such as jogging and running or even taking bath in very hot water.

Causes Of Pityriasis Rosea

The causes of this disease are not very certain. Many doctors believe that the cause of pityriasis rosea is a bacterial or viral infection. Some medicines can also be the culprits are they can lead to this itchy rash. However, what you should remember is that this disease is not contagious at all. Thus, you will not get it if you touch someone who is suffering from pityriasis rosacea. Similarly, if you have it, you do not have to hide yourself from others.

Do Pityriasis Rosea Resemble Other Skin Conditions?

As you know pityriasis rosea, results in skin rash. Now this rash can also look like psoriasis, eczema, and ringworm. If a person gets infected with syphilis then a similar kind of rash may appear. In case your doctor feels that you have syphilis, he will ask you to do blood test to determine the problem.

Treatment for pitiriasis rosacea

The rash of pityriasis rosea generally goes away on its own. There is no treatment for a complete cure. However, with the right medicine you can ease the itching. A zinc oxide cream, calamine lotion, steroid cream, and antihistamine pills will be able to relieve the itching. Your doctor is the right person to contact if you suffer from pityriasis rosacea.