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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

There is no definitive prevention for pityriasis rosea, as the cause is not yet fully known. As with most viral infections, helpful prevention tips may include good basic hygiene, hand washing, and avoidance of ill contacts and of aerosolized respiratory droplets from people coughing or sneezing.

The general prognosis for pityriasis rosea is excellent as most cases clear even without treatment within nine weeks.

Pityriasis rosea will, in nearly all cases, clear completely on its own, with or without medical treatment. It typically leaves no long-lasting scars, although some mild, temporary skin discoloration called post inflammatory hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation can occur in people with darker skin. It has no known long-lasting side effects and has not been associated with any other diseases.

Symptoms may be reduced with topical treatment or taking extra precaution to prevent overheating, and the rash will usually clear on its own in six to eight weeks. Once a person has pityriasis rosea, they generally have lifelong immunity.

A good source of information is the American Academy of Dermatology (http://www.aad.org) or a board-certified dermatologist.

Previous contributing author: Nili N. Alai, MD, FAAD

REFERENCES:

Drago, Francesco, Francesco Broccolo, and Alfredo Rebora. "Pityriasis Rosea: An Update With a Critical Appraisal of Its Possible Herpesviral Etiology." J Am Acad Dermatol 61.2 Aug. 2009: 303-318.

"Pityriasis Rosea." American Academy of Dermatology. <https://www.aad.org/skin-conditions/dermatology-a-to-z/pityriasis-rosea/>.