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Suggest Treatment For Pityriasis Rosea
Question: I had spoken to Dr. Greetika XXXXXXX 5 days ago and said that it looks like I have pityriasis rosea. She asked if I had any on my face and scalp, at the time I only had a few around my hair line. I'm writing now because my face has gotten worse. I'm wondering if pityriasis rosea gets worse before it gets better? Also, I have no evidence of a "mother patch" anywhere on my body, and my lesions or more circular then oval. Below is a revised version of what Dr. XXXXXXX initially responded to.
About 17 days ago I started getting a raised red rash on my stomach and upper leg/thigh area. Maybe about 15-20 spots on my stomach and same about on my legs each. At first I though it was some from of psoriasis as I have small psoriasis patch on my shins, elbows, and foot. After a couple more days I was getting red spots on my arms. 12 days later I have this red rash all over my body, stomach, breasts, chest, legs upper and lower, pubic area, back, arms, feet, hands, face and scalp...... The rash is not blistery or puss filled, they are about the size of a pencil eraser or smaller some have now formed together. There is dry skin on top of the spot.
There has been no change in my diet, bathing habits, cleaners, or degenerates. My husband is NOT having any similar symptoms not spots on him at all, so bed bugs and scabies is out. We have a cat, so I have checked him for fleas or ticks and he is clean.
Over the last 3 weeks I have been taking epson and oatmeal baths, to try and elevate itch and redness, they rash seems to get swollen after a bath. Nothing seems to be helping this rash go away, I have been drinking only water for the last 10 days, cut sugar out of my diet as much as I can. I have also been taking Benadryl for the last 10 days as well. I've tired eczema creams, tea tree oil, white vinegar, anything to clear up and treat my rash and nothing is working.
I would just like to know what this rash is so I can take the necessary precautions to get rid of it. Thanks for any and all help!
About 17 days ago I started getting a raised red rash on my stomach and upper leg/thigh area. Maybe about 15-20 spots on my stomach and same about on my legs each. At first I though it was some from of psoriasis as I have small psoriasis patch on my shins, elbows, and foot. After a couple more days I was getting red spots on my arms. 12 days later I have this red rash all over my body, stomach, breasts, chest, legs upper and lower, pubic area, back, arms, feet, hands, face and scalp...... The rash is not blistery or puss filled, they are about the size of a pencil eraser or smaller some have now formed together. There is dry skin on top of the spot.
There has been no change in my diet, bathing habits, cleaners, or degenerates. My husband is NOT having any similar symptoms not spots on him at all, so bed bugs and scabies is out. We have a cat, so I have checked him for fleas or ticks and he is clean.
Over the last 3 weeks I have been taking epson and oatmeal baths, to try and elevate itch and redness, they rash seems to get swollen after a bath. Nothing seems to be helping this rash go away, I have been drinking only water for the last 10 days, cut sugar out of my diet as much as I can. I have also been taking Benadryl for the last 10 days as well. I've tired eczema creams, tea tree oil, white vinegar, anything to clear up and treat my rash and nothing is working.
I would just like to know what this rash is so I can take the necessary precautions to get rid of it. Thanks for any and all help!
Brief Answer:
Pityriasis rosea, will take time to heal
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I have had a look at the present pictures again.
I would like to tell you that pityriasis rosea has its own course. As told earlier, it is a self limiting skin condition . It takes some six to eight weeks for complete cure. It has a certain course which no medicines can alter. The lesions continue to appear through this time and can reach a peak anytime.
So all we need to do is to take some oral antihistamine to relieve the itching. Also application of a topical steroid cream along with moisturizers can help in relieving the associated discomfort .
All the measures as advised are basically to decrease the associated itching and discomfort . Other than this, the disease has to reach a peak before completely regressing. So I would advise you to follow the treatment as told. Apply plenty of moisturizer and take the medicines.
You need not really worry about the scars since the lesions do not leave any scars in most cases.
Hope it helps
Please ask if you need any further clarifications
Dr Geetika Paul
Pityriasis rosea, will take time to heal
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I have had a look at the present pictures again.
I would like to tell you that pityriasis rosea has its own course. As told earlier, it is a self limiting skin condition . It takes some six to eight weeks for complete cure. It has a certain course which no medicines can alter. The lesions continue to appear through this time and can reach a peak anytime.
So all we need to do is to take some oral antihistamine to relieve the itching. Also application of a topical steroid cream along with moisturizers can help in relieving the associated discomfort .
All the measures as advised are basically to decrease the associated itching and discomfort . Other than this, the disease has to reach a peak before completely regressing. So I would advise you to follow the treatment as told. Apply plenty of moisturizer and take the medicines.
You need not really worry about the scars since the lesions do not leave any scars in most cases.
Hope it helps
Please ask if you need any further clarifications
Dr Geetika Paul
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks Dr. Paul! I was just worried about the lesions on my face, as it is not very common I just wanted to be sure Pityriasis rosea was still a correct diagnosis. Thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions!
Brief Answer:
Take care of your skin
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Yes, you are right that lesions are not very common over the face in this problem. But atypical varieties of pityriasis rosea are also known and they can cause lesions over face as well.
So my advise would be to take care of your skin as told. I am sure it should get better.
But in any case, if the discomfort is too much or too bothering, then you can see a local doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis . A direct examination is always good.
Dr Geetika Paul
Take care of your skin
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Yes, you are right that lesions are not very common over the face in this problem. But atypical varieties of pityriasis rosea are also known and they can cause lesions over face as well.
So my advise would be to take care of your skin as told. I am sure it should get better.
But in any case, if the discomfort is too much or too bothering, then you can see a local doctor for confirmation of the diagnosis . A direct examination is always good.
Dr Geetika Paul
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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