$Unique_ID{PAR00131}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Medical Advice:  Pityriasis Rosea}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Chasnoff, Ira J}
$Subject{Pityriasis Rosea Round oval scaly patch rash Itching Headache
Lethargy Joint pain joints Sore throat antihistamine ringworm eczema impetigo
virus viruses contagious herald patches skin trunk extremities arm arms leg
legs itch antihistamines}
$Log{}

Your Child:  A Medical Guide


Pityriasis Rosea


     Quick Reference

     SYMPTOMS
     - Round or oval scaly patch followed by a rash
     - Itching
     - Headache
     - Lethargy
     - Joint pain
     - Sore throat

     HOME CARE
     - No treatment is necessary.
     - If the rash causes itching, you may give the child a nonprescription
       antihistamine.
     - Bathing with a mild soap and exposure to sunlight may help clear the
       rash faster.

     PRECAUTIONS
     - The first patch may look like ringworm, eczema, or impetigo.  The
       subsequent rash may be confused with ringworm.
     - The condition may last for up to eight weeks but is harmless.


     Pityriasis rosea is a common, harmless, long-lasting disease that goes
unrecognized by most parents.  It affects children and young adults most
often, but it may occur at any age.  The disease is probably caused by a
virus, but the specific organism has not been identified.  Pityriasis rosea is
mildly contagious, but isolation is not considered necessary.  One attack
gives lifelong immunity.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

     In most cases of pityriasis rosea, the first sign is a single patch,
called the herald patch, on the skin of the trunk or extremities.  The patch
is round or oval, the size of a nickel or a quarter, salmon-colored (pink or
reddish), and slightly crinkled in the center; the edges are slightly scaly.
The patch is not tender, but it may itch.  It is occasionally accompanied by
headache, lethargy, pain in the joints, and a sore throat.  Five to 14 days
after the appearance of the herald patch, spots break out on the body; each is
similar in appearance to the original patch, but smaller.  The rash generally
does not affect the face, forearms, and lower legs of an older child, but in a
younger child these areas may also be involved.  The rash lasts for three to
eight weeks, during which time the child feels fine.
     The diagnosis is based on the characteristic appearance of the rash,
which includes both round and oval spots.

HOME CARE

     No treatment is necessary.  Itching, if present, can be relieved by
giving the child a nonprescription antihistamine by mouth.  Bathing with a
mild soap and exposure to sunlight both apparently shorten the duration of the
rash.

PRECAUTIONS

  -  The appearance of the herald patch may suggest ringworm, eczema, or
     impetigo.  If the patch does not respond to treatment for any of these
     conditions, it may be the first sign of pityriasis.
  -  The condition may last for up to eight weeks but is harmless.

MEDICAL TREATMENT

     No medical treatment is required.

RELATED TOPICS:  Eczema; Impetigo; Rashes; Ringworm