PITYRIASIS ROSEA |
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DESCRIPTIONPityriasis rosea is a non-contagious inflammatory skin disorder with a faint rash that lasts 3 to 4 weeks. The skin, especially of the chest and abdomen, is involved. Pityriasis rosea can affect both sexes, all ages, but is most common in adolescents and young adults.
Appropriate health care includes:
Self-care after diagnosis.
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
A faint rash--often found in skin creases--of oval or round, pale-pink or brown areas. One larger patch (the "herald patch") may appear first.
Mild fatigue.
Itching, usually mild.
Occasional slight fever and headache.
CAUSES
Unknown, but may be caused by a virus or autoimmune disorder.
RISK FACTORS
Fall and spring seasons.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCECannot be prevented at present.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor to rule out other disorders.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONSSecondary bacterial infection of the rash area.
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Pityriasis rosea usually runs its natural course in 5 weeks to 4 months. No medication or treatment is available to shorten its course, but your child's itching and discomfort can be relieved.
The skin eruptions won't leave scars on the child unless complicated by a secondary infection. New rash areas continue to break out for several weeks. Once over, one episode seems to confer lifelong immunity.
Although pityriasis is probably caused by an infectious agent, it is not contagious. Even close family contacts are unlikely to develop the disease.
TREATMENT
HOME CARE
Your child should bathe as usual with a mild soap. You don't need to sterilize the tub or shower after the child bathes.
Your child should expose the skin to moderate amounts of sunlight. This may decrease the rash.
MEDICATION
For minor discomfort, use non-prescription drugs, such as:
Calamine lotion to decrease your child's itching.
Acetaminophen to reduce fever.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Usually no restrictions. Your child should be as active as strength allows.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When signs of infection have decreased, appetite returns, and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of pityriasis rosea.
The following occurs during treatment:
-- Fever over 101F (38.3C).
-- Signs of infection (warmth, redness, tenderness, pain, and swelling) in the rash area.
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