Skin Disorders
- Acanthosis Nigricans
- Actinic Keratosis
- Aphthous Ulcers
- Athlete's Foot
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Barnacles of Aging
- Blue Nevi
- Bowens Disease
- Bullous Pemphigoid
- Chilblains
- Cholinergic Urticaria
- Condylomata Acuminata
- Congenital Nevi
- Dermatitis Herpetiformis
- Dermatofibroma
- Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
- Dyshidrotic Dermatitis
- Dyshidrotic Eczema
- Dysplastic Nevi
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- Erythema Multiforme
- Essential Vulvodynia
- Exfoliative Dermatitis
- Flexural Psoriasis
- Fordyce’s Condition
- Freckle Removal
- Treatment For Genital Wart
- Granuloma Annulare
- Guttate Psoriasis
- Hidradenitis Suppurativa
- Hyperhidrosis
- Impetigo
- Intertrigo
- Keloid
- Keratoacanthomas
- Keratosis Pilaris
- Lentigenes
- Leucoderma
- Lichen Planus
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Lichen Simplex Chronicus
- Lichen Striatus
- Lyme Disease
- Lyme Disease Information
- Lymphomatoid Papulosis
- Miliaria
- Molluscum Contagiosum
- Morton’s Neuroma
- Mucocutaneous Candidiasis
- Mycosis Fungoides
- Myxoid Cysts
- Necrobiosis Lipoidica Disbeticorum
- Onychomycosis
- Orbital Cellulitis
- Pagets Disease
- Perioral Dermatitis
- Periorbital Cellulitis
- Pityriasis Alba
- Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica
- Pityriasis Rosea
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
- Pompholyx
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Pruritis
- Pseudofolliculitis Barbae
- Pustular Psoriasis
- Schamberg’s Disease
- Sebaceous Hyperplasia
- Seborrheic Dermatitis
- Seborrheic Keratoses
- Sunburn
- Symptoms Vulvodynia
- Tinea Capitis
- Tinea Corporis
- Tinea Versicolor
- Urticaria Pigmentosa
- Variola
- Venous Angioma
- Vulvodynia Treatments
- Vulvodynia
- Xerosis
Pityriasis Rosea
Most skin growths, moles or blemishes are harmless. Although individuals should speak to their doctor or dermatologist about any of these once they develop. While they will often be left alone it is important to monitor them for any change in their shape, size or color. It is important to be aware of any changes to your skin.
A common skin rash is pityrasis rosea. Often it is confused with other skin ailments so it is important to have a doctor examine it. It typically starts with a large, scaly, pink patch. The rashes are typically oval in shape. Many times the patches will develop and form a pattern that resembles an evergreen or Christmas tree. If the patches are covered up and are not allowed to receive air they will become very itchy. The center may appear wrinkled and the skin looks red and inflamed. Dark brown spots can be left on the skin of those with a darker skin tone.
Who Can Get Them?
Individuals of all ages can be affected by this condition. Children and young adults are more likely to get the condition. Individuals between the ages of fifteen and thirty-five have it the most. Both males and females are equally affected, but there is a slightly higher reported occurrence among women.
What Can Cause Them?
It is unknown what exactly causes pityriasis rosea. Some evidence suggests that a virus may cause it. It is not a contagious ailment, but another person can develop it if someone else in the family has it.
How Does It Happen?
The condition often just appears on an individuals skin. It often begins as a single rash and then spreads into other rashes.
Where Do They Appear?
The chest, back, arms and legs are the usual areas for the condition and it can also appear on the neck. During any time of the year the condition can appear and it is most common in the spring and fall.
What Are The Symptoms?
It will usually first appear on an individuals back or chest as a large scaly, patch. This is often called the herald patch. The patch can be between one to two centimeters in diameter. Another series of rashes will followed and appear over the next few days. The patches appear to be oval and have a wrinkled looking center. Between three to twelve weeks is the duration of the rash. At times the rash can appear red and irritating. Tiredness and an achy feeling are some other symptoms. After a few weeks the rash will disappear on its own although it can last longer.
How Can It Be Diagnosed?
A doctor or dermatologist can quickly diagnose the condition due to the distinctive pattern formation. A sample of the skin can also be taken by the doctor with a skin biopsy. To confirm the diagnosis a blood test can be taken.
What Treatments Are Available For Pityriasis Rosea?
The condition will fade and disappear within a couple of weeks after it first appears if it is left alone. Although the symptoms that accompany this ailment can be reduced with some treatments.
A doctor can prescribe a hydrocortisone cream in order to reduce the itching along with antihistamines. A doctor might tell you to take some pain medication if you are feeling achy. The skin ailment also seems to have a positive effect from moderate sun exposure.
To soothe the individual a lukewarm bath is suggested. The symptoms can also be relieved with an oatmeal bath. The rash will be made worse and more uncomfortable for an individual if it is covered up or if heat is placed on it. Antiviral drugs or steroids can be taken in rare and extreme cases.
Most skin rashes are harmless, but many of the symptoms can be uncomfortable to deal with. You should consult your doctor if you develop this or any other skin rash to make sure it gains proper attention.