Causes and Alternative Treatment for Pityriasis Rosea

Young adults and children are commonly affected with Pityriasis rosea, which is a rather itchy skin condition.



Pityriasis rosea mostly starts off as a prominent spot on the chest, or the trunk or the torso or sometimes even in the middle of the back. From there on, the patch starts to spreads rapidly.

The skin condition resembles that of a pine tree structure with patches branching out from the center of the body and spreading throughout the body resembling flagging pine-tree branches.



Even though pityriasis rosea is easily distinguishable due to its unique appearance, in the early stages when the patch is just present without the spreading, pityriasis rosea is often mistaken for bacterial skin disorders, like ringworm or dermatitis.

Although the cause of pityriasis rosea has not yet been identified the condition is thought to have occurred due to a virus. The disease, under normal conditions, goes off on its own in seven to nine weeks. To relieve the discomfort, there are medications that can help to help the individual feel better.

In the early stages, Pityriasis rosea appears as prominent slightly upraised and scaly spot also known as the herald patch. Such patches appear on the back, trunk or chest. In time, as the disease progresses, finer and scalier spots begin to start appearing all over the back, chest or torso in a pine-tree fashion.

The color of the rash from the Pityriasis rosea skin disorder is pink in color but can also take the appearance of gray, dark brownish or black appearance in dark skinned complexioned people. Along with the development of the rashes, there may be other symptoms including signs of an upper respiratory infection, a cough, sore throat or chest congestion. Most of the cold-like symptoms occur before the herald patch sets in.

The best form of treatment for Pityriasis rosea is home remedies to ease the discomfort. Since this disease is known to go away on its own, the medication available usually help to relieve the itchiness and discomfort associated with the rash.

Itch relieving medicines include steroid creams and lotions, oral antihistamines and sometimes ultraviolet light therapies. To treat this condition at home, oatmeal baths are highly recommended. Even a good application of lacto calamine lotions also help to relieve the itching. Bathing or showering in lukewarm water also temporarily eases the itchy feeling. To avoid sweating that causes further itching, it is better to stay away form strenuous physical activity.