Pityriasis Rosea

[Stacy1289]

I went to the doctor today to get these bumps checked out. I've had them for 4 days so far, I believe. They look like mosquito bites but don't really itch like them. I have them on my forearms, the creases of my elbows and all up and down the front and back of my torso, from the base of the neck to the top of my thighs. There isn't enough to cover large portions of my skin, or anything, but it's not an allergic reaction to anything, because I haven't changed anything in my everyday lifestyle or done anything out of the ordinary. It's not contagious, because no one I know has ever had it before. The doctor said it is Pityriasis Rosea, but that generally always starts with one big spot, right? I never had one. It just looks like I was attacked by mosquitoes. It is not scabies or chickenpox, but does anyone have any other suggestions as to what it might be or what I could use to treat it?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and sometimes by itching.Herald patch is not a necessary lesion.

No treatment is usually required. In most patients, the condition lasts only a matter of weeks or months(upto six months).Severe cases may benefit by topical steroids.

If the rash persists then it will be best to get it evaluated from a dermatologist.Other possibilities have to be ruled out then.

Hope it helps. Take care and pls do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.

[jagesh50]

A herald patch for p.rosea not always found.