Pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea: causes, symptoms and treatment

Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease that manifests itself as flaking of the skin accompanied by redness. The causes of pityriasis rosea are not fully established, but it is believed that it may be related to a disorder of the immune system. Pityriasis rosea most often occurs in the spring or fall, and may resolve on its own within a few weeks or months.

How does pityriasis rosea occur?

Pityriasis rosea is characterized by a widespread rash of small pink spots that quickly increase due to peripheral growth and reach the size of a small coin. Most often, rashes occur on the skin of the torso, somewhat less often - on the extremities and extremely rarely - on the skin of the scalp and face. The spots have round and oval shapes. A few days after the spots appear in their central part, the skin acquires a brownish tint and is covered with small scales. After they peel off, a narrow pink collar remains, bordering the central brownish part of the spot and giving the elements a medallion-like appearance.

In approximately half of patients, a few days before the appearance of a widespread rash, a single, so-called maternal, larger spot forms with characteristic peeling over the entire surface. During the period of eruption of fresh elements, some patients experience a slight increase in body temperature and general malaise. Sometimes the cervical and submandibular lymph nodes become enlarged. The duration of the disease varies from 1 to 2 months. As a rule, pityriasis rosea does not recur.

It should be borne in mind that under the influence of various water procedures, especially with the use of a hard washcloth, pityriasis rosea sharply worsens: the rash becomes more widespread, swollen, and sometimes thickened. The course of the disease is significantly delayed. Similar exacerbations of the process can be caused by skin irritation from sweat, rough or synthetic underwear, sun rays, as well as some external medications, especially those containing sulfur, tar, naphthalan and others.

Treatment of pityriasis rosea

Patients with uncomplicated pityriasis rosea do not need treatment. During the rash, they should only limit irritating foods (alcohol, spicy, salty, smoked), avoid water treatments and heavy physical labor in high temperatures. However, if the disease is accompanied by severe itching, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticosteroid ointments or antihistamines to reduce the symptoms of itching. In addition, hyposensitizing therapy, autohemotherapy and vitamin therapy can help speed up recovery.

If pityriasis rosea worsens due to the use of certain medications, you must stop using them. It is important to remember that self-treatment of pityriasis rosea without a doctor’s prescription can lead to negative consequences and complications.

In conclusion, pityriasis rosea is a skin condition that appears as flaking on the skin accompanied by redness. In most cases, it goes away on its own and does not require special treatment. However, if severe itching and other unpleasant symptoms occur, you should consult a doctor and follow his treatment recommendations.