If symptoms are mild, you may not need treatment.
Gentle bathing, mild lubricants or creams, or mild hydrocortisone creams may be used to soothe irritation.
Antihistamines taken by mouth may be used to reduce itching. You can buy antihistamines at the store without a prescription.
Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet (UV) light treatment may help make the rash go away more quickly. However, you must be careful to avoid sunburn.
Support Groups
Expectations (prognosis)
Pityriasis rosea usually goes away within 6 - 12 weeks. It doesn't usually come back.
Complications
Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of pityriasis rosea.
Previous Section
Review Date: 10/28/2010
Reviewed By: Linda Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of
Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of
Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director,
A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
