Skinby/Skin library/Rashes and redness
Pityriasis rosea
1 sourceEvery line checked against its source
In short
Pityriasis rosea is a common skin rash.
Worth knowing5
The rash appears in 2 stages.
NHS websiteThe first stage of the rash is a single, scaly patch called a herald patch.
NHS websiteA widespread rash of small, scaly spots appears about 5 to 15 days after you get the herald patch.
NHS websiteThe exact cause of pityriasis rosea is not known.
NHS websitePityriasis rosea cannot spread from person to person.
NHS website
What helps2
Pityriasis rosea usually gets better on its own within a few months without any treatment.
NHS websiteIf the rash is uncomfortable or itchy, a pharmacist might advise: using an emollient (moisturizing treatment for the skin) on the rash; taking antihistamine tablets to help with the itching; avoiding using soaps and body washes.
NHS website
See a provider if2
See a health care provider if you have a rash that's still itchy after trying pharmacy treatments like emollients or antihistamines; you have a rash that has not gone away after 3 months.
NHS websiteA new rash during pregnancy needs a call to your provider right away. Pityriasis rosea in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy has been linked with miscarriage and premature birth.
NHS website
Sources
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
These pages describe what the sources say. They cannot say what is going on with your skin.
See what is going on with your skin.
A one-minute scan on your iPhone, a plain answer mapped to your face, and what helps, with its source. Free to start.