Pityriasis rosea is a mild skin disorder that mostly affects patients between the age group of 10 to 30 and is characterized by the development of a single large spot mostly on the stomach or back.

Within a week or two multiple spots begin to appear on the neck, legs, arms, chest, abdomen etc.The first spot usually ranges from 2cm to 10cm and has an oval to round shape with scaly and raised border.

Usually the spots or patches appear without any symptoms but some patients may have a wispy feeling of fever, loss of appetite, illness and joint pain. The actual cause of pityriasis rosea is not known, however many experts are of the opinion that it is of viral etiology. This skin disorder is not contagious.

The itching associated with pityriasis rosea varies from patient to patient with some having mild itching, while others experience severe itching. Pityriasis rosea can be diagnosed easily by a dermatologist through physical examination or blood tests or skin scrapings. Since the actual cause for the disorder is unknown, there is no proper treatment.

Usually the spots or rashes disappear on their own within four to five weeks.But in certain cases the disorder may last for more than two months. Dermatologists prescribe corticosteroids to patients with severe itching more over there are certain alternate treatments to get relief from the symptoms of pityriasis rosea.

Treatments For Pityriasis Rosea

Exposing the pityriasis rosea affected areas to sun rays or artificial light hasten the healing process and help to relieve the itch. Certain herbal medications can also be used.

Two parts of burdock root, one part valerian root and one part of Echinacea can be used to prepare a tincture. 1/8 teaspoon of this tincture may be administered orally in every two hours to reduce the itching. You can also use these herbal medications to prepare a paste, which can be applied over the patches to speed up the healing.

Oatmeal bath helps to boost the healing of pityriasis rosea and also ease the itching. For this purpose you can either purchase oatmeal soaks from market or can use the oatmeal prepared at your kitchen.

If you are using the oatmeal from your kitchen, grind it in mixer till it attains flour like consistency. Thereafter mix 1/3 cup of either oatmeal soak or oatmeal grinds in the bath tub containing warm water and mix thoroughly. Then soak the affected areas of the body in this water for about 20 minutes and this helps to relieve the itching.

Calamine lotion, which is available over the counter, is also a good remedy to control itching. Moreover calamine lotion does not produce any unwanted side effects. You can also use hydrocortisone creams to rub on the affected areas. Rub the cream on the rashes and patches on the skin till it gets absorbed completely by the skin.

If you have the habit of scratching the rashes at sleep, wear soft gloves while sleeping. This helps to protect the rashes from getting opened up and infected. In case of severe itching, consult the dermatologist and he may prescribe creams to stop the itching and at times also prescribe oral antihistamines.