Recurring pityriasis rosea

Hi! I found this thread when I was googling after getting my second round of pityriasis rosea, so I figured I'd share my experience in case it can help someone else: I was just about going crazy from the itching, and had barely slept for a week, when my boyfriend suggested that I try using a mix that is commonly used on children with chickenpox - and it was incredible! I'm guessing that brand names vary, in Norway we call it "hvit vask" ("white wash"). It consists of zinc oxide, talcum, glycerol and alcohol, and it has a soothing effect, as well as creating a protective layer on the skin. Worked like a charm! I slept for 11 hours, and after two days, alternating between this mix and moisturizer, the rash has calmed down, dried out and barely itches anymore. It's definitely worth trying out!

Hi Lex, do you remember the name of the cream and tablets? I also have recurrent PR, unfortunately.

Do you think it may be linked to food sensitivity? I am on my 4th bout of PR since I was 18, I am now 23. The first time was the worst but it seems like it waxes and wanes. I recently started eating dairy/meat more frequently. I am just wondering if you have still been free of PR since you wrote this 4 years ago!

It is absolutely diet related. It might not cause it, but for me it can certainly create the right environment for it to flare up.

For me, it's alcohol, sugar, too little water. And over the counter pain medication that contains opiates will definitely create a flare-up if I use them for too long (I have a chronic pain condition).

UPDATE:

I finally got an answer from a dermatologist. What I have always thought was pityriasis rosea, is actually guttate psoriasis. It recurs; it looks almost identical; it is highly itchy; and it is immune-system-related.

It usually occurs as a result of strep bacteria, and it can also be inheritable.

Thought this might be helpful to anyone reading this who may have also been misdiagnosed.

I have had reoccurent severe pityriosis since i fist got it. its finally in remission but its only been 2 years so we will see. I had to take large doses of antivirals to get it in remission. Sun doesnt actually help me never has

I was in the same boat have you done antivirals ... you will need a large dose for a good 10 days but it helps put it in remission.

Hello, I've had reoccurring PR for quite sometime now since i was 18-24. it comes back after i treat it with Head and Shoulders every three months or so sometimes quicker.... I just want this to go away, its the most annoying thing. It's never gone away for years like ive been reading for some people its always the same cycle. If anyone knows how to make it go away please tell me.

I am on my third outbreak in three years. Female, olive skin, late twenties and extremely careful with what goes on my skin. My first herald patch was on my face! The last two have been small patches on trunk or arm with no itching or pain but associated with fatigue. Using head and shoulders as a body wash and zinc oxide cream has helped it fade quicker. I scar easily so I have not tried sunlight as a treatment. I have not had any scarring with my patches, although they can last for weeks. I was initially given steroids the first time as a misdiagnosis. I take oral lysine and vitamin c daily during my outbreaks now. I suspect mine is related to stress and worsening seasonal allergies.

hello everyone

i am so glad i came across this discussion! i am 27!

so i think i may have pr, (self diagnosed) i have had the condition for 5 years, it started on my back and year after year it has got worse spreading to my arms, neck, top of legs and waist and also on the side of my boob. it is so itchy! i am a fake tan user and it looks terrible! sticks to the dry bits!!

i have been back and forth to the doctors so many times, i was treated for a fungal infection this never worked. then had antibiotics,i then saw another doctor and said i had pityriasis versiculour and he gave me selsun shampoo this actually burned my skin and was left with blisters ( i used as directed) he then put me on hydrocortisone but that didnt work either! i got a referral to the dermatologist and because my rash was not inflamed he couldnt do anything for me, ridiculous!

i have tried many things to sooth the itching, i am naturally a stressy person so this doesnt help either! i eat a very well balanced diet and drink mostly water!

it seems to stay all year round and gets worse in the winter months.

i can honestly say after so many lotions and potions used the one that seems to calm the itch the most is Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion! i apply it twice a day morning and night. after ive had a shower my skin itches too.

i am so glad i am not the only one who has this, as doctors dont know much about it ive had to do my own research on it! its just so itchy and awful to look at knocks my confidence so much!!! hopefully we can all help eachother! im also due to get married next year so i would love to have beautiful skin :(

X

hi!! i use Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion to sooth the itching

Aveeno Skin Relief Moisturising Lotion

I first got PR when i was around 8 years old. since then i got a few patches here and there, until now. I am 38 and i have the worst case i have ever had and its one week before I get married. They say it isnt stressed induced, but I believe different. I have been way more stressed lately . I also got a chest cold prior to the patches and found out i had strep throat 2 days after the rash spread all over my chest, back, legs, and upper arms. It has been 3 weeks and they are starting to fade, but no where near gone. I noticed mine improved once i started the tanning bed and showering in head and shoulders shampoo and using Blue Star ointment. They have dried out quite a bit and became itchier as well as cracking open a bit which has been rather frustrating but atleast they are starting to fade. I would still recommend the sun or tanning. When i was small they put me in something that made me feel i was in a giant microwave with lights. ( 8yr. old perspective lol). Hopefully in a few weeks they will disappear completely. I was also on two rounds of antibiotics for a tooth infection a couple weeks prior to my herald patch appearing. I have noticed most people who have PR have either been stressed, sick, or on antibiotics or vaccines prior to occurence. Hope this helps someone.