My story with Pityriasis Rosea. Mine was gone in 2 weeks!

DETAILS OF SYMPTOMS: As with others, my case began with the oval, red patch that began to get scaly. After about two weeks with the Herald's patch, I began to notice little bumps on my back. These little bumps were hardly noticeable, apart from the bumpiness. As described online, they did resemble a Christmas tree shape ion my back.

A few days later I started to get some little pink dots on my chest. These bumps took on more of an oval shape, becoming bumpy and raised, and also spread up my neck and around my collar bone area. Soon after this they began to get itchy. If they itch you, don't scratch them! I also highly recommend taking an antihistamine to calm the itchiness. In my case I took the tiny white 24-hour loratadine pill (which I had on-hand and use for allergies on occasion too), but make sure you aren't allergic to whatever medicine you do take.

I also got the respiratory tract infection, which began as a sore throat and turned into a cold. Thankfully my rash was limited to my torso area.

FIRST ATTEMPTS: While doctors said it would go away with time, I felt pretty helpless and came onto this forum and other sites to see if there was anything I could try. First I tried the bio oil, which was super expensive, but one of the users on the forum said it helped, so I decided to try it. In my case, the red marks were all over my chest, collar bone area, neck and a little of my stomach. Because oil does not soak in or dry very well, it was not the most preferable treatment and ended up having to wipe some of it off so I could get dressed and go on with my day.

My next try was diaper rash cream, which has zinc oxide. I only applied this one time, as the cream is white, sticky and dries a little more powdery. While this may have helped, I sought other means.

MAIN PRODUCTS THAT HELPED!

After reading numerous posts advising the use of Head & Shoulders shampoo for body wash, I went out and bought the 2 in 1 Classic Clean original version. While it is supposed to help with an itchy, red, flaky scalp, it is meant to heal skin! So it does make sense Just a few days after using it I noticed the bumps were fading, both in color and feel. I recommend lathering and rubbing it gently into the affected areas. If possible, let it sit and soak on your skin for a few minutes instead of washing it right off. Also, make sure to shower with lukewarm water, as hot water increases redness of rash and irritates it.

After showering, I also applied Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion. This lotion said it heals and softens rough, dry skin, smoothes marks and tones skin. I saw this in Target for about $3-5 and thought I would give it a shot since my skin was rough and dry and definitely needed some healing. The combination of this lotion and the Head & Shoulders shampoo as body wash worked wonders for me. Of course it may take 2 to 3 days to notice much of a difference, but in my case the rash went from scaly red, oval marks all over my chest, collarbone, and neck area to faded and hardly noticeable marks. After a week and a half to two weeks it was completely gone. I continued to use the Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion and Head & Shoulders after that for a few days since I had some left and just to make sure it was gone.

If you're like me and have to buck up and continue to go to school and work and everyday life, I recommend those two products above. It was nice to be able to add the body wash into my morning shower, with just a few extra minutes added, and to put on the lotion before dressing instead of applying oil or diaper rash cream.

Anyways, I just wanted to come back to this forum to encourage any of you who may be struggling with this skin rash. While you may be a little discouraged at times, just remember that you'll have your normal skin back again. And won't take it for granted! These little things aren't easy, but help us see the little blessings and joys, even just of enjoying clear collar bones or other areas that may be clear. Stay positive and don't let your identity be found in appearance, as I struggled at times with during my break out. While it is uncomfortable at times, just remember that it is temporary and you're not alone. Stand tall and don't let this steal the smile from your face.

All the best to you!

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