What causes pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is caused by a viral infection. The virus has recently been identified as one of the herpes viruses. Children and young adults are more susceptible, for reasons unknown. Recurrences are rare – a person who develops the skin rash has only a two per cent chance of experiencing it again.
How long is pityriasis rosea contagious?
It’s not known what causes pityriasis rosea. One theory is that the rash may be caused by a viral infection. Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people through physical contact.
How do you get rid of pityriasis rosea rash?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Take over-the-counter allergy medicine (antihistamines). These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).
- Bathe or shower in lukewarm water.
- Take an oatmeal bath.
- Apply a moisturizer, calamine lotion or an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.
Is pityriasis rosea serious?
Pityriasis rosea is a mild, but common, skin condition. Characterized by scaly, pink, inflamed skin, the condition can last from 1 to 3 months and usually leaves no lasting marks.
What should you not do when you have pityriasis rosea?
Living with pityriasis rosea Heat can worsen the rash and itching. Try to avoid hot water and temperatures. Contact your doctor if the rash lasts longer than 3 months.
Who is at greater risk of pityriasis rosea?
Who is most at risk for getting pityriasis rosea? Anyone can get pityriasis rosea. However, the condition appears most often in people between the ages of 10 and 35.
Is pityriasis rosea life threatening?
Pityriasis rosea is not dangerous and resolves without treatment, typically after 6-8 weeks. The condition is not contagious (spread from one person to another).
Is pityriasis rosea caused by stress?
Its exact cause is unknown. No germ (bacterium, virus, or fungus) has been found in people with the rash. However, certain types of human herpes viruses may be a part of the cause. It is not associated with food, medicines or stress.