Welcome to Pityriasis-Rosea Dot Net
If you’ve found this site…you likely have had the misfortune of contracting our lovely, skin rash, friend that is Pityriasis Rosea. You probably have several questions and are looking for some answers. This site should give you a bit of information on Pityriasis Rosea and how to alleviate its symptoms…read on!
You may be asking yourself…
“What is Pityriasis Rosea?”
We have an entire page above detailing this mysterious skin condition…just click the link.
“Do I have Pityriasis Rosea?”
Your best bet, of course, is to consult a dermatologist and get properly diagnosed. Pityriasis Rosea has some pretty recognizable characteristics though, so you should be able to spot it when you see it. Most mistake the originating “Herald Patch” as ringworm…only to be covered in ring-like patches all over within a week or two.
Take a browse through our “Pityriasis Rosea Pictures” gallery by clicking the link above. If your rash resembles those examples…chances are you’re also a victim. However, not to alarm you…but, second stage Syphilis looks similar, so it is always a good idea to get it checked out by a doctor and get some testing done if Syphilis is a possibility (only you can answer that question). PR will go away eventually on its own…but, Syphilis is something you DO NOT want to ignore.
“How did I get Pityriasis Rosea?”
This truly is the million dollar question. Doctors really don’t know how it is contracted or where it comes from. Some doctors believe it is introduced to the body by a viral/bacterial infection and is somehow linked to human herpesvirus 7 (HHV7 was found in all cases during clinical studies of PR…don’t worry, over 95% of people have been infected and are immune to HHV-7)…but, the verdict is still out. About 70% of people have upper respiratory infections (sore throat) a week or two prior to getting Pityriasis Rosea.
“Is Pityriasis Rosea contagious?”
It is not contagious, though there have been reports of small epidemics in fraternity houses, military bases, schools and gyms.
“How do I get rid of Pityriasis Rosea?”
Another million dollar question. Check out the information at the “Cure for Pityriasis Rosea” link above.
“Am I alone with this funky rash?”
Absolutely not! The overall prevalence of pityriasis rosea in the United States has been estimated to be 0.13% in men and 0.14% in women. It most commonly occurs between the ages of 10 and 35. Feel free to visit the “Support Group” tab above to connect with others that are dealing with outbreaks or have in the past. Also, scroll down for personal stories from others that are dealing with PR. Awareness is key and connecting with others who are dealing with this horrible rash helps immensely. You can learn how others cope with PR and find out how they alleviate symptoms.
If you don’t mind sharing your PR story and pictures, I’d love to add it to the site in order to help others dealing with this monster. Please send me your story and I’ll add it to the site below. Don’t worry…you will remain anonymous: contact@pityriasis-rosea.net
The bottom line is…
PR is not contagious.
PR can reoccur…but, only for about 2% of people.
PR will not kill or hurt you. It will embarrass you, however.
PR will go away on its own…eventually. Most cases clear up in a few weeks.
My stint of Pityriasis Rosea lasted 6 months, unfortunately. There are ways to speed up the recovery process.
Click the “Cure for Pityriasis Rosea” link at the top of the page for some remedies. Hang in there…it’ll be over before you know it.
2nd Pityriasis Rosea Outbreak in 2 years.
I first got PR in April 2010. I had just started up my own business in January of 2010, so was very stressed juggling a new business/career and a then 1.5 yr old son. It was not all over my body, mainly torso and thighs. I thought it was bad, that was until end of August 2011 when I got it really bad!
The first bout took 4 months to completely clear. But left me with no scars. It was slightly itchy, but bearable as they were more sporadic and not clustered. Doctors did not help at all.
The it came back end of August, initially I thought it was just an outbreak of acne due to working long hard hours (3 months without a break) but the bumps all over my back spread to the back of my thighs and then all over the front.
I am 8 weeks in with this bout of PR, it covers me from scalp to toe and boy does it itch!!!!
I can’t do my Bikram Yoga which I am a big fan of, as the heat just makes me itch! Any exercise or sweating is just a no-no!
Was I stressed before this came on? YES!
I also had tonsillitis, which coincidently I had before the first bout too!
Things I have discovered: This will take hold of you the more run down you are!
The cooler you stay the better. I am a huge sea swimmer, so regularly swim. Even now (October – UK) I am still sea swimming in a costume, as it lowers my blood temperature and then for at least 2 hours after I get out I remain completely itch free BLISS
No creams etc seem to make any difference. I have seen a Holistic practitioner who has given me drops to stay calm and also , high potency Vit B12 and Serrapeptase + MSM + trace minerals.
However yesterday after much more soul searching on the internet I went for a 3min sun bed and this morning I think it looked a little better. So today I have had 3 more minutes, and if tomorrow it looks better I will try again!
I am a regular healthy 38year old lady, who has a very busy life. I have a very healthy diet, I live in a really beautiful place, I have a gorgeous son and husband. Life is good, but having PR makes me depressed and miserable. But I believe in positive thinking and the more positive I stay, the more I believe this will pass….. PLUS it’s a sign to try and slow the pace of my hectic life.
I love your website, the links help. Photos are a must. I was desperate to see what others looked like, as I have never actually met anyone else who has suffered. It is such an underrated disease and yet so many seem to suffer. Thanks for your site.
-Two time PR Sufferer- United Kingdom