Pityriasis Rosea Causes

A rash that affects people for several weeks to several months is called Pityriasis rosea. It is a very common skin disease that can affect anyone within the age group of 10 to 30 years. French physician Camille Gilbert was the first to describe this condition in 1860. This skin disorder is classified as papulosquamous disorder. This condition is usually seen affecting people during spring or fall. If you are wondering what are the pityriasis rosea causes, symptoms and treatment options, then continue reading to find answers in the following paragraphs.

Pityriasis Rosea Causes
The actual pityriasis rosea causes are not known. It is not thought to be a bacterial, fungal or allergic disease. It is suspected to be a viral infection caused by Herpes virus (HHV6 or HHV7). This virus is genetically linked to cytomegalovirus. This is not a contagious disease and does not spread from person to person. Some experts suspect, mycoplasma to be one of the Pityriasis rosea causes. Other agent suspected to cause pityriasis rosea is picovirus.

Pityriasis Rosea Symptoms
Although pityrasus rosea causes are unclear, one can easily spot the symptoms. Pityriasis rosea symptoms begin with flu-like symptoms like a headache, sore throat, mild fever and stuffy nose. Then, a large, slightly raised patch will appear on the back, chest or abdominal region. This scaly patch is called the herald patch. After a few days or weeks of appearance of herald patch, other symptoms may appear. These symptoms include fine, scaly spots across the back, chest, abdomen. These spots resemble a pine tree pattern and there are smaller spots on the arms, legs and face. The skin rash is pink in color and scaly in appearance. People with dark skin tones develop gray, brown or black colored skin rashes. These rashes itch a lot, especially when their body becomes warm after running, jogging or hot bath. The rash is persistent and will continue to stay on your body for about three months.

Pityriasis Rosea Treatment
After going through pityriasis rosea causes and symptoms, it is time to have a look at the treatment options. Pityriasis rosea does not require any treatment in most cases. The rash disappears on its own with time. The doctor may prescribe medicated lotions and skin creams to relieve the itching. In some cases, ultraviolet light treatment is suggested by dermatologists. Antihistamine pills, steroid lotions, calamine lotions and zinc oxide cream are given to relieve the itchy skin.

An infected patient will be advised to take lukewarm baths instead of hot water baths. This is because the rash tends to worsen when the body is warm. An oatmeal bath too will prove to be soothing for the skin rash. As one does not know the exact pityriasis rosea causes, one cannot say for sure the ways to prevent it. This is not a dangerous skin disorder, neither a contagious disease. However, it is best to seek expert advice to avoid complications. Many people believe pityriasis rosea causes stress. But, this is a self-limiting condition and does not leave any scars or marks. Discoloration of skin is seen in some people with dark skin tone, like a light brown patch. In a few cases, the disease remains for just a few weeks and for some it remains for about 6 months. Only about 2% people will have a recurrence of the disease after it is cured. This is all about pityriasis rosea causes, symptoms and treatment. If one does get infected with pityriasis rosea, one should seek medical advice.