Posted on September 29, 2007 by misslatoya
Most of the time Pityriasis Rosea occurs in young adults, but it can afflict children and older adults as well. Pityriasis Rosea is a mysterious condition characterized by a large patch (similar to ringworm) called the “Herald Patch” and is in about a few days afterward followed by an increasing number of smaller spots.
The spots are usually concentrated on the arms, trunk and legs. It is only in rare cases do the spots show up on the face, hands or feet.
Pityriasis Rosea is a rash that is unsightly in appearance and bothersome due to the itching it may cause, and usually lasts for about six weeks but has been known to persist up until eight to ten weeks.
There is no type of treatment that will shorten the duration of Pityriasis Rosea, and there is no cure for the condition.
For self treatment the over the counter cream “Cortaid” is excellent in temporarily suppressing or healing the rash and removing the discomfort of itch. For severe cases (extreme itching) a doctor can prescribe cortisone pills.
What causes Pityriasis Rosea is unknown.
A virus was at a time considered as a likely culprit, however, no virus has been found in this disease that is not contagious. What is known about Pityriasis Rosea is that it erupts suddenly, occurs in a certain age group, only lasts for a certain length of time, will not harm the internal organs, will clear up completely not leaving any scars, and it will rarely occur again in the same individual.
Another condition called Pityriasis Alba that only affects the face, neck and upper arms is asymptomatic. It mostly occurs in dry climates and appears in children and young adults. The description of this condition is usually faint, poorly defined areas of hypo-pigmentation with a fine shiny scale or a slightly glazed surface. And in general, the skin will be dry or chapped, and much more noticeable in dark-skinned individuals.
The occurrence of hypo-pigmentation is due to mild inflammation, manifesting from dry, chapped skin. In children it will usually resolve around puberty when the oil production begins. A corticosteroid ointment or cream can be used in helping to heal the condition, however, re-pigmentation will not be present in every individual.
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