Pityriasis rosea is different to pityriasis versicolor.
The main symptom of pityriasis rosea is a rash.
Some people get flu-like symptoms a few days before the rash appears, including:
- tiredness
- a sore throat
- a high temperature
- a headache
The rash appears in 2 stages.
Stage 1: single, round patch
The first stage of the rash is a single, scaly patch called a herald patch.
The herald patch is usually oval or round, slightly raised and about 2cm to 5cm across. It usually appears on the chest, thigh, upper arm or neck, but you can get it anywhere on the body.
If you're not sure it's pityriasis rosea
Other conditions can have similar symptoms to pityriasis rosea.
For example, scaly spots could be psoriasis or eczema, and a single, round patch could be ringworm.
Do not try to diagnose the problem yourself. See a GP if you're worried.
Call your midwife, maternity unit, GP or NHS 111 immediately if:
- you have a new rash and you're pregnant
Getting pityriasis rosea in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy has been linked with miscarriage and premature birth.
Pityriasis rosea usually gets better on its own within a few months without any treatment. It might get worse before it goes away completely.
If the rash is uncomfortable or itchy, a pharmacist might advise:
- using an emollient (moisturising treatment for the skin) on the rash
- taking antihistamine tablets to help with the itching
- avoiding using soaps and body washes
A pharmacist will tell you how often to take or apply any treatments.
If these treatments do not work or if you have severe pityriasis rosea, your GP may recommend steroid cream or refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist).
See a GP if:
- you have a rash that's still itchy after trying pharmacy treatments like emollients or antihistamines
- you have a rash that has not gone away after 3 months
The exact cause of pityriasis rosea is not known. It may be caused by a virus.
Pityriasis rosea cannot spread from person to person.