Pityriasis rosea or Nummular Eczema? - Skin Problems Message Board

silvertab120 · 11-02-2005, 02:29 PM

A while ago, I noticed an intense itch on my forearm (underside).... I started scratching, thinking it wasnt anything important, and not too long after that, a red plaque appeared at this exact spot...the red plaque was itchy and it stayed there for about 1 week without further developement.

Then I noticed a second (smaller) red spot apearing close to the initial plaque...after that it pretty much went downhill...my arms started itching and everywhere I seem to scratch, a new plaque would appear...then it started on my legs and near my armpit.

So far, the chest, back and face isnt affected at all...its' been a while (I took an appointment to the dermatologist but the waiting list is long). I'm about to go to a regular doctor since the appointment to the dermatologist is in about a month...(this has been going on for about a month and a half, maybe a bit more).
So far, the only 2 things that looks like what I have is pityriasis rosea and nummular eczema....They are both really similar (from the images i've seen). and I would like to know if there are any obvious differences between the two that might help me distinguish the 2....I never had any skin problems before not even dry skin....but this is driving me crazy...It really wasnt that bad when it started but now I can barely sleep at night...

BTW, sorry for my poor english...

silvertab120 · 11-02-2005, 02:31 PM

Also: The initial plaque is approx. 2inch in diameter....it is the biggest one...

If I dont scratch it for a while, it drys up...but it eventually start itching again...and as soon as I scartch it it becomes swollen (just a bit..but I can definitly see it )

MichSM2 · 11-03-2005, 11:21 PM

Go see a dermatologist. I currently suffer pityriasis rosea, and I got spots in area I didn't even scratch. The heat and sweat just overheated my body, and I got the spots. Just to let you know: I've had this for nearly 10 weeks now, so patience is definitely a virtue with this benign disease.

silvertab120 · 11-04-2005, 12:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MichSM2

Go see a dermatologist. I currently suffer pityriasis rosea, and I got spots in area I didn't even scratch. The heat and sweat just overheated my body, and I got the spots. Just to let you know: I've had this for nearly 10 weeks now, so patience is definitely a virtue with this benign disease.

Question: Does it itch a LOT? I was told PR doesnt itch that much...thats why I thought I might suffer from nummular eczema?? One thing for sure...it itch like HELL!...

MichSM2 · 11-04-2005, 07:57 PM

YES PR itches. I used to take Benadryl in order to sleep for the itching (not so anymore, since I'm near the end of the disease.) Allegra may help as well.