Pityriasis rosea 

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition, causing a distinctive skin rash of raised, red scaly patches across the body.

In 3 out of 4 cases of pityriasis rosea, the rash is itchy and can be quite severe.

Read more about the symptoms of pityriasis rosea.

Pityriasis rosea will usually pass within three months, whether it is treated or not.

Pityriasis rosea doesn't pose a serious threat to health; however the itch can often be extremely irritating and unpleasant.

What causes pityriasis rosea?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown. One thought is that the rash may be a response to infection by a virus, although there's currently no hard evidence to support this theory.

Pityriasis rosea is not contagious and can't be spread to other people by physical contact.

When to see your GP

You should see your GP if you're struggling to cope with the itchiness as they can prescribe something to relieve the symptoms.

You should also consult your GP if your symptoms last longer than three months or your rash is rapidly spreading or if there is fluid such as blood or pus leaking from the skin.

Treating pityriasis rosea

For most cases, pityriasis rosea will clear up without any treatment. The rash usually goes away within twelve weeks, although it can last for up to six months occasionally.

Emollients (moisturisers), steroid creams and a type of medication known as an antihistamine can be used to help relieve the itchiness.

Read more about treating pityriasis rosea.

Who is affected by pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea is a relatively common skin condition. It's estimated that 1 in 50 people who visit a skin specialist (dermatologist) have pityriasis rosea.

Most cases of pityriasis rosea occur in older children and younger adults between 10 and 35 years old. However, cases have been reported in babies as young as 10 months old and elderly people in their eighties.

Twice as many women are affected by pityriasis rosea than men, although the reason for this is unclear.

Most people only ever experience one episode of pityriasis rosea. Around 1 in 50 people have repeated episodes.