Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis rosea is a common condition that is most frequently seen in the spring and autumn, however, it can occur year round. It is thought to be caused by a virus because of its seasonal incidence. It does not appear to be highly contagious, however, because we rarely see two people in the same household with Pitryriasis Rosea.

Pityriasis rosea usually starts as a quarter-sized, scaly plaque (the herald patch or mother spot) that resembles ringworm, followed by the appearance of numerous smaller lesions, several days later. The rash is usually found from the "neck to the knees", and rarely involves the face.

Pityriasis rosea can be very itchy. However, this can be relieved with proper therapy. The lesions do not scar and sunlight helps speed the recovery process. Without treatment, Pityriasis rosea usually lasts from 3 weeks to 3 months. With treatment, it is usually gone in 1-2 weeks. It is very uncommon to get Pityriasis rosea more than once in a lifetime.