Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common skin rash most often occurring in people during the spring and fall seasons and usually goes away on its own within 6-8 weeks. The condition usually affects children and young adults and is rare in older individuals.

Physical exam

This skin rash begins with a large, mildly raised, scaly patch called the herald patch that occurs on the back, chest, or abdomen. A few days to weeks after the herald patch forms, smaller round, pink, scaly lesions are seen on the trunk in a pine-tree pattern. The skin area may be itchy.

Treatment

The lesions and rash will resolve without medical treatment usually within 6-12 weeks. Treatment may include:

• Henry Ford Phototherapy
• Antihistamines to treat the itch
• Moisturizers to help reduce the scaliness of the skin
• Topical corticosteroids to help with the itching and to decrease the redness