Special finding: a large "herald patch" that precedes the rash by 1 to 2 weeks
Call or Return If
Rash becomes very itchy
Rash becomes infected with pus or draining scabs
Rash lasts longer than 3 months
You think your child needs to be seen
Your child becomes worse
About This Topic
Symptoms
The rash begins with a large, scaly, pink patch on the chest or back. This is called a "herald" or "mother" patch. It looks like a large ringworm and is 1 to 3 inches across.
A widespread rash of smaller matching spots on both sides of the body. This occurs 7 to 14 days after the herald patch first appears.
This rash consists of pink, oval-shaped spots that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch across. The spots are covered with fine scales. This gives the rash a crinkled appearance.
The rash appears mainly on the chest, stomach, and back. Often, it is worse in the groin and armpits. Usually, the rash does not occur on the face.
The rash can be itchy during the first one or two weeks.
Age Range. Usually affects people between the ages of 6 and 35 years.
Cause
The cause is unknown. It's probably caused by a virus.
Fungus, bacteria, and allergy have been proven not to be the cause.
After Care Advice
Overview:
Pityriasis Rosea (PR) is a harmless rash that will go away on its own.
It lasts 6-10 weeks. During this time your child will feel fine except for some itching
Here is some care advice that should help.
Moisturizing Cream:
Buy a large bottle of moisturizing cream (avoid those with fragrances).
Put the cream on any dry or itchy area 3 times per day.
After warm water baths or showers, trap the moisture in the skin. Do this by putting on the cream everywhere after bathing. Use the cream within 3 minutes of completing the bath.
Avoid soap during bathing. Reason: soap makes the skin dry and more itchy.
Steroid Cream:
For very itchy spots, use 1% hydrocortisone cream. No prescription is needed.
Use up to 3 times per day as needed until the itching is better.
Eventually, the moisturizing cream will be all that you need.
Sunlight Exposure:
One dose of ultraviolet light can stop itching and shorten the course of PR.
Have your youngster sunbathe for 30 minutes (enough to make the skin pink). Do this only once.
If this is not possible, consider a tanning salon once. Caution:
Avoid sunburn.
What to Expect:
Itching usually lasts 1 - 2 weeks
The rash goes away on its own in 6 to 10 weeks.
Return to School:
Your child does not need to miss any school or gym.
Pityriasis rosea does not spread to others.
Author:Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright
Disclaimer:This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
