Pityriasis Rosea
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2025.
What is Pityriasis rosea?
Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder that causes a scaly rash. The cause of Pityriasis rosea is not known. It usually goes away on its own in 2 to 12 weeks. Pityriasis rosea most often occurs in people who are 10 to 35 years old and during pregnancy.
What are the signs and symptoms of Pityriasis rosea?
The rash first appears as a single pink patch on the chest or back. In people who have dark skin, the color may be violet or dark gray. Within 90 days of the first patch, the rash spreads to the rest of the torso. The rash can also spread to the neck, arms, and legs. Some people with Pityriasis rosea have mild to moderate itching.
How is Pityriasis rosea diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine your rash and ask about your symptoms. Your provider may take a sample of your skin to check for a fungal infection.
Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions
Zyrtec
Zyrtec (cetirizine) is used to treat allergy symptoms such as sneezing, itching, watery eyes, or ...
Xolair
Xolair injection (omalizumab) is used to reduce the risk of severe food allergy reactions ...
Allegra
Allegra (fexofenadine) is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of hay fever and other ...
Benadryl
Benadryl is an antihistamine and is used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching and other ...
Claritin
Claritin is an antihistamine used to treat the symptoms of allergies, such as sneezing, watery ...
Xyzal
Xyzal (levocetirizine) is used to treat cold or allergy symptoms such as sneezing and runny nose ...
Diphenhydramine
Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine used to treat sneezing, runny nose, itching, hives and other ...
Famotidine
Famotidine is used to treat and prevent ulcers in the stomach and intestines. Learn about side ...
How is Pityriasis rosea treated?
Your healthcare provider may prescribe antihistamines or steroids to help reduce itching. They may be given as a pill or cream. Severe cases may be treated with ultraviolet light therapy.
How can I manage my symptoms?
Heat may irritate your skin and cause itching. Avoid hot showers and physical activity that may make your skin too warm.
When should I call my doctor?
- Your rash does not improve within 10 weeks.
- Your itching becomes worse.
- Your rash becomes more red and you have fever.
Care Agreement
You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment. The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.© Copyright Merative 2025 Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.