| Pityriasis Rosea is a common skin disease | | | | adolescents and young adults between the ages of |
| characterized by a rash that can last anywhere | | | | 10 and 35. While one may contract Pityriasis Rosea at |
| between a few weeks to a few months. In most | | | | any time of the year, it is more commonly seen in |
| cases, the condition starts with a single, scaly, | | | | the spring and fall. Dermatologists diagnose this |
| oval-shaped patch (or "herald patch") on the chest or | | | | condition by inspecting the rash but may also conduct |
| back and is a followed a week or two later with | | | | blood tests and skin biopsies by examining skin |
| additional pink patches on the chest, arms, legs, and | | | | samples from the affected area under a microscope. |
| back. The face is not normally affected, however. | | | | Potassium hydroxide tests can also be conducted to |
| The initial "herald patch" ranges between 2 cm and 10 | | | | rule out fungal infections. |
| cm while the later patches are between 1 cm and 2 | | | | Treatment |
| cm. Patches on the back often form a pattern that | | | | For mild cases, no treatment may be required and |
| resembles the outline of a fir tree (or "Christmas | | | | the condition may go away on its own between 6 |
| tree"). The "herald patch" is sometimes mistaken for | | | | and 12 weeks. As a general rule of thumb, patients |
| other conditions such as ringworm, psoriasis, or | | | | are encouraged to bathe or shower with plain water, |
| eczema. Prior to the appearance of the "herald" | | | | bath oils, mild lubricants and creams, and other soap |
| patch, one may experience symptoms such as | | | | substitutes as soaps can aggravate the rash. Itching |
| tiredness, nausea, sore throat, and headaches. | | | | can be treated with steroid creams and ointment or |
| The exact cause of Pityriasis Rosea is unknown but | | | | taking antihistamines. More severe cases can be |
| it is believed to be caused by a virus. The disease is | | | | treated with ultraviolet light treatments |
| not contagious and most commonly affects | | | | (phototherapy). |