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Medical Author:

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Gary W. Cole, MD, FAAD

Dr. Cole is board certified in dermatology. He obtained his BA degree in bacteriology, his MA degree in microbiology, and his MD at the University of California, Los Angeles. He trained in dermatology at the University of Oregon, where he completed his residency.

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Medical Editor:

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

William C. Shiel Jr., MD, FACP, FACR

Dr. Shiel received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from the University of Notre Dame. There he was involved in research in radiation biology and received the Huisking Scholarship. After graduating from St. Louis University School of Medicine, he completed his Internal Medicine residency and Rheumatology fellowship at the University of California, Irvine. He is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

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In this Article

• Pityriasis rosea facts
• What is pityriasis rosea?
• Who gets pityriasis rosea?
• What causes pityriasis rosea?
• What are pityriasis rosea symptoms and signs?
• How is pityriasis rosea diagnosed?
• What are some common misdiagnoses of pityriasis rosea?
• What is the treatment for pityriasis rosea?
• What home remedies can I use for pityriasis rosea?
• Can pityriasis rosea be prevented?
• What is the prognosis for pityriasis rosea?
• Where can I find more information and facts about pityriasis rosea?
• Patient Comments: Pityriasis Rosea - Experience
• Patient Comments: Pityriasis Rosea - Treatments
• Patient Comments: Pityriasis Rosea - Symptoms
• Find a local Dermatologist in your town
• Pityriasis Rosea Index

Pityriasis rosea is, for the most part, equally common between the two sexes, although there is a slightly higher occurrence reported in women. It generally occurs in children and young adults between 10-35 years of age. Pityriasis rosea has no racial predominance. Most people only get pityriasis once in their lifetime.

The exact cause of pityriasis rosea remains unknown. Most recently, pityriasis rosea has been associated most strongly with a virus from the human herpes family called human herpes virus type 6 (HHV6). Pityriasis rosea is not caused by or known to be associated with the common types of herpes virus that cause genital or oral herpes. While the mode of transmission (how it gets passed between people) of pityriasis rosea is also unknown, respiratory contact has been postulated. Pityriasis does not seem to be directly or immediately contagious to close contacts or medical providers exposed to the rash. Most people with a known exposure to pityriasis rosea do not seem to contract the rash.

Most people do not notice any symptoms with pityriasis rosea except for the appearance of the rash itself. Mild, intermittent itching is reported in about 50% of individuals affected, especially when people exercise or take hot showers. Itching seems to increase with stress. Rarely, it is accompanied by flu-like symptoms, such as sore throat, fatigue, nausea, aching, and decreased appetite. Most people are otherwise in very good health and don't feel any other symptoms.