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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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