Pityriasis rosea

What is pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin condition with many small, slightly scaly, oval patches on the chest and back. It most frequently affects people between 10-35 years of age and is self-resolving (going away without treatment) usually after 6-12 weeks.

What does pityriasis rosea look and feel like?

People usually feel well, athough a mild headache and fever can occur just before the rash appears. Pityriasis rosea is occasionally itchy.

The first sign of pityriasis rosea is the herald patch; a single scaly round to oval patch 2-10 cm in diameter.

Up to 2 weeks after the herald patch appears, a more widespread rash develops comprised of small oval patches with fine scale usually ranging in size up to 1.5 cm. On the chest and back the rash often runs in the same direction as the ribs, sometimes resembling the branches of a Christmas tree. The neck, upper arms, and upper thighs can also be affected. The face, hands, and feet are not usually affected.

In light skin the patches are usually pink-red. In skin of colour the patches can sometimes be grey, deep brown or black. After the rash has gone, you may have some darker or lighter areas of skin. These should return to normal within a few months and will not leave permanent scarring.

What causes pityriasis rosea?

The cause is unknown. It is not contagious (i.e. you cannot pass it on to anyone).

Things you can do to help yourself

Pityriasis rosea usually gets better without treatment within 12 weeks.

If the skin is itchy or uncomfortable an emollient moisturising cream applied as often as needed can help. Sometimes a mild topical steroid cream is needed which can be purchased at your pharmacy without a prescription.

Make an appointment at your GP surgery

An appointment with a health professional is usually only required if the diagnosis is uncertain, the itch is not responding to the treatments described above, or the rash is not starting to improve after three months.

CAUTION

This leaflet mentions ‘emollients’ (moisturisers). Pure petroleum emollients are flammable and should never be used near a naked flame. Non-paraffin-based emollients may also act as accelerants if they have a high oil content, so caution is advised with all topical treatments.

Your hands may be slippery after applying a greasy moisturiser, so allow time for them to soak in before driving or operating machinery.

Helping with other skin conditions

If you, a family member, or friend have an undiagnosed skin condition; or you want to learn more about how to treat skin conditions, please view our short video on how to get the best from this website.