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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

Most cases of pityriasis rosea require no treatment and resolve spontaneously. Treatment is not necessary if the rash does not cause symptoms. Typically, pityriasis will usually clear on its own in nine weeks without medical intervention or therapy.

The most common symptom is itching, which can be treated with topical steroid creams (like hydrocortisone cream) and oral antihistamines (like diphenhydramine [Benadryl], loratidine [Claritin], etc.). These will not shorten the duration of the rash but will decrease the itching. Another treatment for itching is UVB light or sunlight. However, exposure to sunlight increases the risk of skin cancer. Generally, the best treatment is to avoid being overheated by reducing exercise and avoiding hot showers and baths.

There has been some evidence of reduced duration of pityriasis rosea with the off-label use of the antibiotic erythromycin or off-label use of antiviral medications such as acyclovir (Zovirax) or famciclovir (Famvir). However, neither of these medications has been proven to be uniformly effective in the treatment of pityriasis rosea and they are not usually necessary or required for treatment.

Home remedies of pityriasis rosea include taking lukewarm baths or showers, avoiding drying soaps, wearing cotton or silk clothing to reduce heat, and taking oatmeal baths. Calamine or menthol lotions can also be helpful for itching. The following are additional home remedies:

• Lubricating with bland moisturizers
• Oatmeal baths
• Calamine or menthol lotions
• Steroid creams (hydrocortisone cream)
• Diphenhydramine (Benadryl) oral pills or liquid for itching
• Natural sunlight exposure to body parts, 10-15 minutes per day