Pityriasis Rosea Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Pityriasis rosea is a skin condition that is triggered by an infection. This disorder is characterized by the appearance of a pink or reddish rash on the chest, abdomen and back.
The form of the rash that appears can look like a scar or red bump that looks like a wound. The rash can spread to other areas of the body, such as the arms and legs.
This pityriasis rosea disorder can generally disappear or heal by itself even without intensive care and without leaving scars. But in some cases, this disorder can last quite a long time, even up to three months or more.
Pityriasis rosea can actually attack anyone. However, men are known to experience this disorder more often than women. Pityriasis rosea is also commonly experienced by those aged between 10-35 years.
Pityriasis Rosea Symptoms
Generally, pityriasis rosea is preceded by symptoms of low-grade fever, headache, or joint pain such as that felt before a cold or flu. Furthermore, within 2-3 days later a reddish rash will begin to appear.
Pitiriasis rosea has a characteristic rash. The rash is generally a fairly large oval shape called a herald patch and usually appears on the chest or back. About two days to two weeks later, you may see multiple, smaller rashes on your chest, back, or neck.
Usually, the rash starts with a pink or brown color. Many sufferers complain of itching in the rash. These red spots can also mushroom and spread to other parts of the body.
The rash will disappear on its own in 2–12 weeks. This condition can leave dark marks on the affected skin area.
Pityriasis rosea is basically harmless. However, if experienced by pregnant women, this disease can cause miscarriage or premature labor.
Pityriasis Rosea Reason
The cause of pityriasis rosea is not known with certainty. It is suspected that this disease was triggered by a viral infection. One of the suspected triggers is infection with the herpes virus. However, the herpes virus in Pityriasis rosea is different from the virus that causes genital herpes. In addition, it should also be noted that this disorder does not include diseases that are transmitted from one person to another.
Diagnosis
To determine the diagnosis of pityriasis rosea, the doctor will observe the condition of the affected skin. In addition, the doctor will also determine whether the rash that appears is caused by a viral infection or comes from a fungus.
Direct physical examination is sufficient to determine the diagnosis of this disease. Therefore, usually no laboratory tests or other additional tests are needed to confirm this disease.
Pityriasis Rosea Treatment
Pityriasis rosea will clear up on its own no later than 12 weeks after the rash first appears. However, to reduce the rashes and itching complaints that occur, there are several things that sufferers can do.
Simple treatments that you can do yourself are soaking or taking a warm bath to relieve the itching you are experiencing. You can also be advised to use a moisturizing cream. This cream is a drug that can prevent dry and irritated skin.
The use of steroid creams or ointments and antihistamines aims to reduce redness and itching. Likewise with antihistamine drugs which are useful to help reduce itching.
Another treatment that can be done is to use ultraviolet light therapy or UVB light. The affected skin will be highlighted with UVB light for a short time to reduce itching.
Those who experience pityriasis rosea are advised to bathe as usual. No need to use special antiseptic soap.
Prevention
There are no efforts that can be made to prevent someone from pityriasis rosea. However, maintaining the cleanliness of the skin and overall immune system is highly recommended so that the body is not susceptible to infection.