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Can pityriasis rosea spread to arms and legs?
As the rash spreads, the original patch is joined by a number of smaller spots that spread out across the torso. In some cases, the spots spread to the arms and legs (however, it usually doesn’t appear on the palms or soles). The spots can be slightly itchy. Pityriasis rosea is not contagious.
How does pityriasis rosea spread?
It’s not known what causes pityriasis rosea. One theory is that the rash may be caused by a viral infection. Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people through physical contact.
What parts of the body does pityriasis rosea affect?
Although the back, chest and stomach are most commonly affected, the rash may spread to affect the arms, legs and neck. Less often, other areas of the body may become involved. In rare cases, the rash may be isolated (localized) to one specific area of the body.
Does pityriasis rosea get worse before better?
Most people with pityriasis rosea, do not need any treatment and it settles by itself. The rash can get worse before it gets better, with new patches appearing for up to 6 weeks. It then usually settles, without treatment, within 2 to 3 months.
When does pityriasis rosea stop spreading?
Pityriasis rosea is a common, sometimes itchy rash that resolves on its own. The rash begins with a herald patch and continues to spread in a characteristic pattern, typically over the course of six to eight weeks.
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.
How can I speed up the healing of pityriasis rosea?
Lifestyle and home remedies
- Take over-the-counter allergy medicine (antihistamines). These include diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others).
- Bathe or shower in lukewarm water.
- Take an oatmeal bath.
- Apply a moisturizer, calamine lotion or an over-the-counter corticosteroid cream.
How do you stop pityriasis rosea from spreading?
How long does pityriasis rosea continue to spread?
When will pityriasis rosea stop spreading?
How do you know pityriasis rosea is healing?
How do health care professionals make a diagnosis of pityriasis rosea? Usually, a doctor may make a diagnosis of pityriasis rosea solely on the basis of its appearance, particularly the onset of the distinct large herald patch and the symmetrical Christmas tree presentation.
How long does pityriasis rosea usually last?
Pityriasis rosea typically lasts between eight weeks and three months. If you have been diagnosed with pityriasis rosea and it doesn’t go away after three months, call your doctor ASAP. The rash associated with pityriasis rosea typically lasts a few weeks or up to a few months.
Does pityriasis rosea always have herald patch?
A herald patch, also called a mother patch, is the first sign of pityriasis rosea. The herald patch will be the only patch to appear for approximately two weeks.
Is pityriasis herpes?
Most recently, pityriasis rosea has been associated most strongly with a virus from the human herpes family called human herpesvirus-6 and/or 7 (HHV-6, HHV-7). Pityriasis rosea is not caused by or known to be associated with the common types of herpes virus that causes genital, oral herpes, or varicella (chickenpox).