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Pityriasis rosea

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Pityriasis rosea
SpecialtyDermatology Edit this on Wikidata

Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by patches of pink, oval rash. Although its exact cause is unknown and its onset is not linked to food, medicines or stress, it is thought that this non-infectious condition is set off by a virus. Pityriasis rosea can occur at any age, however, it occurs most often in teenagers and young adults. Symptoms only recur in 3% of the affected.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this condition include:

  • Pink and flaky oval-rash shaped
  • A single "herald" patch may occur 1 to 20 days before smaller, more numerous patches of rash
  • Often occurs in patches arranged in a triangular pattern, like a "Christmas tree"
  • May itch
  • May be accompanied by headache, fever and fatigue

These rashes are often found on the back, chest, and stomach. Rarely does it affect the limbs and extremities, though in some cases it might. Usually it does not affect the face; however a few blemishes may be found on the cheeks.

Treatments

Although there is no cure for pityriasis rosea, in most cases the condition goes away by itself without any treatment. Ultraviolet light treatment or phototherapy may shorten the duration of the condition and may be prescribed for extensive and persistent cases of pityriasis. Corticosteroid creams may also be prescribed to relieve the itching.

Pityriasis rosea usually lasts between 6 to 12 weeks — the rashes disappear without scarring. In people with dark complexion, however, pale discolorations may last for several months afterwards.

Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious.

Dogs and bears are known to be afflicted by pityriasis rosea quite frequently.

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