- The first spot of Pityriasis Rosea is often large. It's called the "mother spot" or the "herald spot" because it arrives a week or two before the rest of the spots, and is often unsightly enough to warrant a trip to the dermatologist. Although this spot may look like a case of ringworm, it will not respond to antifungal treatment.
- Within a week or two, more spots will form on the patient. Most of the spots are on the torso, on the back and the chest, and can also appear on the arms and legs. Spots are oval in shape and may form a triangular overall shape on the back. Usually, this rash lasts for 6 to 8 weeks, but it's possible that it may last much longer--especially in the immune-suppressed.
- Whenever the patient's body temperature gets higher, the rash worsens. Warm weather, a hot shower and physical activity such as exercise can cause the rash to intensify. The worsening of the rash goes away once the body cools down.
- The spots can be itchy for many people. Not everyone develops an itch, and doctors aren't sure why some people experience an itch while others don't. Hot temperatures make the itching worse; a cold compress or cool shower can relieve some of the pain.
- In some patients, Pityriasis Rosea is accompanied by muscle aches and pains as well as fatigue. Tylenol and ibuprofen are sometimes recommended to alleviate the pain. Generally, the muscular aches and pains go away once the spots go away, but fatigue can take a while to recover from. Any prolonged period of inactivity can lead to weakness, so be sure to increase the amount of physical activity gradually.
