Does pityriasis rosea affect the scalp?

Does pityriasis rosea affect the scalp?

Although pityriasis rosea appears mostly on the trunk, it’s not uncommon for it to spread around the body, including the arms, neck and even scalp. The rash rarely spreads to the face.

What does pityriasis rosea look like?

Pityriasis rosea is a common type of rash that often goes away on its own. It typically starts with a large patch of red, raised skin. This “mother patch” or “herald patch” may be surrounded by small red bumps called “daughter patches” that are typically oval in shape. It’s also sometimes called a Christmas tree rash.

What can be mistaken for pityriasis rosea?

Diagnosis of pityriasis rosea Pityriasis rosea can be mistaken for skin conditions such as tinea (a fungal skin infection also known as ringworm) or psoriasis, so careful diagnosis is needed. Other less common illnesses, such as syphilis, may also cause a similar rash.

What parts of the body does pityriasis rosea affect?

Over the next few days or weeks, multiple smaller scaly, pink or red spots will develop. In individuals with darker skin, the rash may be gray, dark brown or black. Although the back, chest and stomach are most commonly affected, the rash may spread to affect the arms, legs and neck.

Does pityriasis rosea cause dandruff?

Pityriasis rosea is a fairly common skin condition that shares a symptom or two with dandruff. But it’s not hard to tell the difference. Dandruff and pityriasis rosea don’t have much in common, except that both conditions may itch.

What causes pityriasis rosea to flare up?

The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is unclear. Some evidence indicates the rash may be triggered by a viral infection, particularly by certain strains of the herpes virus. But it’s not related to the herpes virus that causes cold sores. Pityriasis rosea isn’t believed to be contagious.

Does pityriasis rosea itch?

This rash is small, 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.

How do I know if my pityriasis rosea is healing?

Both the herald patch as well as the secondary rash usually clears within three months or around 12 weeks. In some, the symptoms may persist for up to six months. Once the rash has healed there may be a darkening or lightening of the skin. This usually normalizes without treatment in a few months.

How long does it take for pityriasis rosea to stop spreading?

In most cases, pityriasis rosea goes away on its own in four to 10 weeks. If the rash doesn’t disappear by then or if the itching is bothersome, talk with your doctor about treatments that can help. The condition clears up without scarring and usually doesn’t recur.

Does Pityriasis rosea itch?

How can I make pityriasis rosea go away faster?

The following tips may help relieve the discomfort of pityriasis rosea:

1. Take over-the-counter allergy medicine (antihistamines). These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).
2. Bathe or shower in lukewarm water.
3. Take an oatmeal bath.
4. Apply a moisturizer, calamine lotion or an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.

What happens if you scratch pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea treatments And don’t scratch. Specialists believe that scratching really does make the itching worse, so steer clear of the itch-scratch vicious cycle at all costs.