Children & Adolescents Clinic

 Home Parent's Guide

Clinical Reference Systems: Pediatric Advisor 10.0

Pityriasis Rosea

DESCRIPTION (Diagnosis must be confirmed by a physician.)

  • The rash begins with a single herald or mother patch that looks like a large ringworm and is 1 to 3 inches across.
  • The herald patch has a scaly, raised border and a pink center.
  • A widespread rash of smaller matching spots on both sides of the body occurs 7 to 14 days after the herald patch first appears.
  • This rash consists of pink, oval-shaped spots that are 1/4 to 1/2 inch across. The spots are covered with fine scales, which give the rash a crinkled appearance.
  • The rash appears primarily on the chest, abdomen, and back. Often it is worse in the groin and armpits. Usually the rash does not appear on the face.
  • The rash can be itchy during the first one or two weeks.

This rash primarily affects people between the ages of 6 and 30 years. Usually a physician needs to examine the rash to diagnose it.

CAUSE

The rash is probably caused by a virus.

EXPECTED COURSE

This condition is harmless. The rash disappears without treatment. The different parts of the rash last from 6 to 10 weeks. During this time your youngster will feel fine.

TREATMENT

  1. Skin creams

    In general treatment is unnecessary. If the skin is dry, a moisturizing cream may be helpful. For itchiness, use 1% hydrocortisone cream (no prescription necessary) two or three times a day. If the rash still itches after using this cream, call your physician's office for a stronger steroid cream.

  2. Sunlight exposure

    One dose of ultraviolet light can stop itching and shorten the course of pityriasis. Have your youngster sunbathe for 30 minutes (enough to make the skin pink). Do this only once. If this is impossible, use a sun lamp or consider a tanning salon. CAUTION: Avoid sunburn.

  3. Contagiousness

    Pityriasis is not contagious. Your child can attend school and take gym.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PHYSICIAN DURING OFFICE HOURS IF:

  • The rash becomes very itchy.
  • The rash becomes infected with pus or draining scabs.
  • The rash lasts longer than three months.
  • You have other questions or concerns.

Written by B.D. Schmitt, M.D., author of "Your Child's Health," Bantam Books.
Copyright 1999 Clinical Reference Systems