Pityriasis Rosea - Skin Problems Message Board

rltaylor · 04-01-2007, 05:08 PM

My 8 yo child has been diagnosed with Pityriasis Rosea. The herald patch appeared on her neck approx. 3 weeks ago, and she has had the rash for 1 week. The Dr. says it should go away on it's own in 1 to 3 months. She has a severe case. It has spread to her arms legs and face, although those areas aren't as bad as her trunk and neck. The rash is extremely itchy, which is also not common, but can happen. I have tried several over-the-counter creams with little relief. Benedryl tablets help somewhat, but make her tired. The nurse at her school cannot apply any creams (not even with a dr. note). So, I have to leave work mid-day to apply the cream myself (what a pain!), and like I said, the creams really don't work that well. I'm seriously thinking about taking her to a tanning salon. I was told that sunlight can reduce the length of the rash dramatically. Has anyone had success using UV light? Any other recommendations (that actually have worked for you) would be greatly appreciated.

I had this rash 20 years ago during the summer months. Mine was not as severe and only lasted 1 month. I'm wondering if my rash subsided so quickly due to being out in the sun so much.

Thanks,
LT

rltaylor · 04-07-2007, 09:43 PM

UPDATE

My daughter spent a few minutes in a tanning bed and then got scared, but it helped so much! The next morning, she woke up itch free and the spots on her back were already drying out. A couple days later, we got lucky and had two sunny days in a row, and she spent about 30 minutes each day out in the sun (with her bathing suit on so that the rash was exposed). Her rash is clearing up so quickly now.

For those of you suffering from this rash, get out in the sun or go tanning. It really works.

sue73 · 05-15-2007, 11:20 AM

My 42 year old son had it when he was 3 - doctor put him on small dose of cortisone (I KNOW - I don't like steroids either) but within a couple days he was fine and rash all gone.

EnglishRoj · 08-07-2007, 09:26 AM

I was diagnosed about 8 years ago. I find that stress often brings on the irritation as well as what I am eating in my diet. The more junk food the worse the irritation the more fresh vegetables I eat the less irritation I get.

The doctor here in the UK prescribed Betnovate cream and this works well in clearing up the rash. It is steroid based. However you use it in such small doses that I believe the effect can be mitigated.