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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Pityriasis Rosea Spreading To The Back, Neck And Legs?

Hi, I ve had a rash identified as pityriasis rosea for just under a month now and it s still spreading and causing me great distress. It started on my stomach and is spreading on my back, neck, legs and bottom, plus it s extremely bad in the folds of my skin. Can you tell me how long before the rash stops spreading? I know it can take a few weeks to go away and that s fine but it s been a month and it s only getting worse - I ve seen no improvement at all. It s making me hugely anxious. Thanks in advance.
Mon, 29 Feb 2016
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Anesthesiologist 's  Response
Thank you for posting the question,

As you mentioned you are suffering from pityriasis rosea started from some weeks ago. First of all, you do not need to worry about this illness since it is a benign disease.

Pityriasis rosea may cause discomfort by generalized itching and lasting about 2-3 weeks. The majority of patients give a history of herald patch on abdomen area preceded by upper respiratory tract infections. Fortunately, minority suffer from severe itching. Researchers have shown an immunologic reaction to some infections like respiratory viruses may mimic these symptoms.

According to the instructions posted by you and my experience with this illness, I suggest you as follows:

1. Control your itching using antihistamine medications local and oral prescribed by your doctor.

2. If you suffer from fever acetaminophen helps.

3. There are some cases that erythromycin may help and facilitate the process of illness treatment and it depends on the extension of your skin lesions and other symptoms simultaneously appeared in your case.

3. In the case of lasting symptoms more than 3 months you demand to rule out some other illnesses for the purpose of differential diagnoses, such as eczema, skin medication reactions, psoriasis, and fungal infections. In this case, you need to take some routine tests in addition to a skin biopsy.

Hope you find my recommendations helpful,

Regards
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What Causes Pityriasis Rosea Spreading To The Back, Neck And Legs?

Thank you for posting the question, As you mentioned you are suffering from pityriasis rosea started from some weeks ago. First of all, you do not need to worry about this illness since it is a benign disease. Pityriasis rosea may cause discomfort by generalized itching and lasting about 2-3 weeks. The majority of patients give a history of herald patch on abdomen area preceded by upper respiratory tract infections. Fortunately, minority suffer from severe itching. Researchers have shown an immunologic reaction to some infections like respiratory viruses may mimic these symptoms. According to the instructions posted by you and my experience with this illness, I suggest you as follows: 1. Control your itching using antihistamine medications local and oral prescribed by your doctor. 2. If you suffer from fever acetaminophen helps. 3. There are some cases that erythromycin may help and facilitate the process of illness treatment and it depends on the extension of your skin lesions and other symptoms simultaneously appeared in your case. 3. In the case of lasting symptoms more than 3 months you demand to rule out some other illnesses for the purpose of differential diagnoses, such as eczema, skin medication reactions, psoriasis, and fungal infections. In this case, you need to take some routine tests in addition to a skin biopsy. Hope you find my recommendations helpful, Regards