- No one is sure what causes pityriasis rosea. The Mayo Clinic believes that it may be caused by a viral infection, but no one has isolated the specific virus. Pityriasis rosea often appears with no warning and lasts about six to eight weeks. Medline Plus reports that severe cases may last as long as 12 weeks. Never self diagnose. If you think you have pityriasis rosea, go see your doctor. Medline Plus reports that pityriasis rosea symptoms can also resemble the symptoms of syphilis.
- Pityriasis rosea shares many symptoms with other skin conditions. These include rashes, redness, inflammation and itching. The condition usually begins as one lesion on the skin, which is called the herald lesion. As the condition worsens, the lesions spread. The centers of the lesions have a wrinkled appearance that resembles cigarette paper. The lesions are oval in shape and have a distinct border. As the rash spreads, it will likely follow the lines of your cleavage. It also common develops into a Christmas tree shape. The itchiness of these lesions is intense. Avoid scratching, as it can irritate the lesions.
- Oral antihistamines can help relieve some of the pain that comes from pityriasis rosea. Antihistamines have powerful anti-inflammation properties that reduce the rashes and lesions of pityriasis rosea. If you are diagnosed with pityriasis rosea, your doctor may prescribe oral antihistamines such as Zyrtec, Allegra, Benadryl, Chlor-Trimeton, Tavist or Claritin. Don't take over-the-counter antihistamines without discussing it with your doctor first.
- UV light therapy has been used to treat many skin conditions including psoriasis, eczema and acne. The Mayo Clinic reports that UV light helps reduce the inflammation caused by pityriasis rosea. UV light therapy is available at most doctors' offices. UV light therapy involves short bursts of UV light on the affected area. The eyes are covered during this treatment, and doctors monitor the skin's reaction to avoid sunburn. This therapy can also be done at home simply by sitting outside during a sunny day. However, you must be careful not to stay in the sun too long as natural UV light is much stronger than artificial UV light.
- Cut back on physical activity if you are suffering from pityriasis rosea. Intensive physical exercise can cause the lesions to stretch and can worsen your condition. Soap will irritate the lesions, as will hot water. When bathing, use bath oil instead of soap and lukewarm water instead of hot water. Lesions and rashes will dry the skin and cause painful itching. Moisturizing creams can help treat some of the symptoms of the itching.
