Pityriasis rosea - Skin Problems Message Board

kgillian · 03-22-2005, 09:51 PM

I have had this awful looking condition of my skin for almost three weeks. When I first saw the doctor she said that I had reacted badly to something, and prescribed methlyprednisolone to get rid of it. Well my condition only worsened, and on my checkup to the dr. she informed me that I have pityriasis rosea. She says it may take anywhere from three to four months to clear up, and that there is nothing that I can do to speed up the process. Has anyone else ever had this? It's maddening to know that I have to suffer for a couple more MONTHS with this skin condition, which is not very attractive. It covers my entire torso, none on the legs. It's a very strange rash.

ScruffyGuy · 03-23-2005, 01:23 PM

This is nothing to worry about, but it is very bothersome.

The good news is that it is nearly impossible for you to get it a second time.

Yes, it can take a while to clear up. But it will also improve steadily and not be as itchy and troublesome. There will be remnants of it for several months, but generally the worst is over in a few weeks.

Your doctor is incorrect, however -- you CAN do something to improve the condition AND to help alleviate the symptoms.

To speed up healing time -- get a suntan! Yes, this isn't just a myth. UV helps the rash to fade and heal. If you do not live in a warm-weather state, go to a tanning salon. As long as they properly clean the tanning bed when you are done using it -- as they should -- you will not spread the rash to anyone else. DO NOT excessively tan. Follow whatever tanning process they recommend to you -- twice a week should be good.

A doc can also prescribe a cream for you. A friend of mine has used it before, but I'm sorry, I cannot recall the name of it.

For symptom reduction, most importantly DO NOT scratch deeply and spread it! If it itches so bad that you can't stand it, place a clean towel over the area and just gently touch or press on it. I know this is tough to do, but try. Scratching will make it worse and you risk a surface infection.

Buy Aveeno bath powder. It's colloidal oatmeal. Very soothing. This will help. You can actually also make a poultice from wet oatmeal or put regular oatmeal into your bathwater, but this is sticky, messy and can clog your drains. Aveeno is much better.

If itching is severe and you cannot deal with it at all -- your doc can give you an easy cortisone injection in your rump. It won't hurt, promise. This will GREATLY reduce the itching for up to two or three days. This is not a cure -- it just helps the itching. If your doc hasn't suggested it, ASK!

Other than that -- you just have to wait it out. It stinks, yes -- but once it is gone, it's GONE for good.

Finally -- it IS contagious, but not very much so. Direct skin to skin contact is necessary and even then -- it still isn't easy to spread.

The worst of it will be over in a few weeks in most cases. The fading and full healing will take longer, but you won't be itching for that length of time.

Good luck.

kgillian · 03-23-2005, 09:03 PM

Thank you for all of your helpful information!

My doctor was very incorrect in her information, because I specifically asked if it was contagious, because I am living with a one-year old. She had informed me that it was, in fact, not contagious. So thank you for clearing that up... I hope he will be okay. I'm sure it will be fine since you said that it is hard to catch.

I was also told that it wouldn't help to go in the sun, as I thought it may in fact help it clear up. I was planning on going on vacation to Virginia next week, and was bummed out, thinking that I could not go into the sun. I am quite fair skinned, so hopefully I don't end up looing too blotchy! However, this makes me feel much better now knowing that sun will not worsen my condition, so thank you!

I wasn't sure if it was something that I could get again... that makes me feel better to know that It is almost impossible to get again. I wouldn't be able to stand it!!

I am hoping that this will not last too much longer, because it is quite embarrasing to have. However, I have noticed that it isn't as bad as it was the first couple weeks, so that is reassuring in itself.

Once again, Thank-You for all of your help! I feel much better hearing information from somebody who knows what they're saying, and was able to help me out, as my doctor was not very reassuring. Have a good Day!

ScruffyGuy · 03-24-2005, 05:40 PM

You're welcome.

I had this rash when I was about fourteen years old. Never had it again.

Don't be too hard on your doc, though. The thing is, sometimes docs just don't bother to explain stuff in detail. They are often hurried (not cool) and will brush off a patient who presents with something that is not serious and easily diagnosed.

Your doc DID give you some ointment -- I think I missed that part of your statement last time. So that's good. It will help. As will the oatmeals baths.

Getting some sun is OK -- definitely it will NOT make the rash any worse, but obviously, do not get a sunburn as this will be most uncomfortable on top of the rash. Frankly, Virginia in April is not subject to really intense UV, so you should be fine. Sunlight or tanning beds CAN help, but keep in mind that everyone is different. Also keep in mind that it is not a cure, by any means. The rash will go away on its own. Some folks report little difference with UV exposure, others claim it helps speed relief. Either way -- it won't hurt.

Now, the contagious part is strange -- I've read stuff that says it is not contagious, other stuff that says it IS contagious, but only mildly so. I tend to believe the "mildly so" assumption. A friend of mine had it when I was a teen and I got in a few days later after skin to skin contact. I do believe the rash is more contagious in the very early stages and that much contact is required. So I'm sure your son and those around you will be fine. You do not need to worry about bed linens or clothing, etc. Just live your life normally -- it's not likely anyone else will catch it from you.

Feel better!