Itching All Over

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The cause of this skin rash is unknown, although some physicians suspect a virus is responsible. It starts as one or more large, red, scaly spots, generally on the trunk. Over the next few days the spots grow and spread to cover the trunk and upper arms (the same area that aT-shirt would cover) and perhaps the upper legs. The spots become oval patches of copper-colored skin with scaly surfaces. They often itch, and may persist for four to eight weeks. A slight sore throat may occur as the rash develops. The condition affects mainly children and young adults. Pityriasis rosea is not dangerous, but you should visit your physician to be sure that you do not have some other similar, but more serious, skin disorder. Your physician may advise you to wait for the rash to disappear naturally. You can relieve any minor itching by applying cold cream to the rash. If the rash is very bad, the doctor may prescribe a steroid cream, and severe itching can be treated with antihistamine tablets. During the worst weeks of the condition, you should avoid hot baths or showers.

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Pityriasis rosea is a skin disease marked by patches of pink, oval rash. Although its exact cause is unknown and its onset is not linked to food, medicines or stress, it is thought that this essentially non-contagious condition is set off by a virus. Pityriasis rosea can affect members of either sex of any age. Pityriasis rosea is uncommon in those over 60 years old. It may last months longer when it occurs in this age group. A single scaling patch often appears one to twenty days before the general rash. It is an oval plaque 2-5 cm in diameter, with a scale trailing just inside the edge of the lesion. The herald patch is often mistaken as ringworm. It can also be confused with psoriasis. Often, the patches are confined to the upper body and may follow the ribs in lines. The rash lasts around one or two months then clears up completely.

What causes it?

Pityriasis rosea may be set off by a viral infection but it does not appear to be contagious. Herpes viruses 6 and 7 have sometimes been associated with pityriasis rosea. It is not related to foods, medicines, or stress.

Pityriasis rosea clears up by itself in about six to twelve weeks. When clear, the skin returns to its normal appearance. It leaves no scars, although pale marks or brown discolouration may persist for a few months in dark skinned people.

What are the symptoms?

Pityriasis rosea causes a rash.

* The rash often begins with a single, round-to-oval, pink patch that is scaly with a raised border (herald patch). Its size ranges from 2 cm to 10 cm. The larger size is more common. See an illustration of a herald patch.

* Days to weeks later, salmon-colored, 1 cm to 2 cm oval patches appear in batches on the abdomen, chest, back, arms, and legs. Patches sometimes spread to the neck but rarely to the face.

*Itching of the lesions (mild to severe)

* Fever & fatigue (but rare)

Pityriasis Rosea Treatment

Treatment may include external and internal medications for itching. Aveeno oatmeal baths, anti-itch medicated lotions and steroid creams may be prescribed to combat the rash. Lukewarm, rather than hot, baths may be suggested. Strenuous activity, which could aggravate the rash, should be discouraged. Ultraviolet light treatments given under the supervision of a dermatologist may be helpful. Recently, both the antiviral drug Famvir and the antibiotic erythromycin have been claimed to produce healing in one to two weeks. For severe cases a few days of oral anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone may be necessary to promote healing

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Pityriasis Rosea

The cause of this skin rash is unknown, although some physicians suspect a virus is responsible. It starts as one or more large, red, scaly spots, generally on the trunk. Over the next few days the spots grow and spread to cover the trunk and upper arms (the same area that aT-shirt would cover) and perhaps the upper legs. The spots become oval patches of copper-colored skin with scaly surfaces. They often itch, and may persist for four to eight weeks. A slight sore throat may occur as the rash develops. The condition affects mainly children and young adults.

What Should be Done?

Pityriasis rosea is not dangerous, but you should visit your physician to be sure that you do not have some other similar, but more serious, skin disorder. Your physician may advise you to wait for the rash to disappear naturally. You can relieve any minor itching by applying cold cream to the rash. If the rash is very bad, the doctor may prescribe a steroid cream, and severe itching can be treated with antihistamine tablets. During the worst weeks of the condition, you should avoid hot baths or showers.

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