Overview

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition that causes a temporary rash of raised, red scaly patches on the body.

It can affect anyone, but it's most common in older children and young adults (aged 10 to 35).

Symptoms of pityriasis rosea

Feeling unwell

Some people feel unwell for a few days before they get the rash, with symptoms such as headache, fever and joint pain.

The herald patch

A single pink or red oval patch of scaly skin, known as the "herald patch", usually appears at least two days before a more widespread rash develops.

It ranges in size form 2cm to 10cm. It can appear on your tummy, chest, back or neck, and less commonly on the face or scalp, or near your genitals.

Widespread rash

Up to 2 weeks later, a more widespread rash develops, which may continue to spread over the following 2 to 6 weeks.

It's made of smaller raised scaly patches that usually range in size up to 1.5cm. Most people get many patches on their chest, back, tummy, neck, upper arms and upper thighs. The face is not usually affected.

The rash is not painful, but it can be itchy.

In light-skinned people the patches are usually a pinkish-red. In dark-skinned people the patches can sometimes be grey, dark brown or black.

Both the herald patch and rash usually last for 2 to 12 weeks, although they can last for up to 5 months.

After the rash has gone, you may have some darker or lighter areas of skin. These should return to normal within a few months and will not leave permanent scarring.

When to see your GP

See a GP if you have an unexplained rash. They'll usually be able to confirm whether it's pityriasis rosea, or another skin condition like eczema, psoriasis or ringworm.

If they're uncertain, they may refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).

Treating pityriasis rosea

Pityriasis rosea usually clears up without treatment within 12 weeks. Treatment is not needed unless you experience discomfort and itching.

Possible treatments for pityriasis rosea include:

• emollients - creams that moisturise and soothe the skin; some emollients can be used as soap and are often recommended because normal soap can irritate the rash; you can buy these over the counter from most pharmacists
• steroid creams or ointments - such as hydrocortisone and betamethasone cream; they're prescribed by your GP and can reduce swelling and relieve itching  
• antihistamines - if you're having trouble sleeping because of the itching, your GP may prescribe an antihistamine that will make you feel sleepy, such as hydroxyzine or chlorphenamine
• UVB light therapy - if other treatments don't work, you may be referred for UVB light therapy

What causes pityriasis rosea?

It's not known what causes pityriasis rosea. One theory is that the rash may be caused by a viral infection

Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people through physical contact.

Pityriasis versicolor

Pityriasis versicolor is another common skin condition that can be confused with pityriasis rosea, as the rash may look similar.

However, there are important differences between these 2 conditions. Pityriasis versicolor is caused by a yeast infection and can be treated with antifungal medicines, including antifungal creams and antifungal shampoos.