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Pityriasis rosea reoccurrence, and permanent scarring

Posted , 5 users are following.

lynsey99454
lynsey99454

I was first diagnosed with PR about 6-7 years ago by my GP. I had classic symptoms of a herald patch shortly followed by the full-blown rash. I was reassured that it would all go away eventually, and the main rash did, but I've been left with permanant scarring where the herald patch used to be and it now looks like a patch of darkened discoloured skin. I'm a 26 year old female and this means that I can't wear bikinis or anything showing my stomach as I'm embarrassed by the scars (it looks like I haven't washed my skin or like a fading bruise). Many people including GPs have assumed that I've been hit by my partner when I've had my stomach examined for other issues, and the GPs especially have been shocked when I've told them it's a PR scar as apparently it's not meant to scar, and certainly not scar if you've got pale skin! I've been back to my GP countless times to try and get treatment for the scar as it does affect my self-esteem, but I've been told there's nothing they can do. The reason I'm writing this post now though is that I'm devastated to discover another herald patch yesterday, when the chances of reoccurrence are supposed to be 1 in 50! My point is don't believe the outdated information on this condition that's on the internet, as in my experience it has scarred and I've experienced a reoccurrence. If anybody has had a similar experience to me I would be grateful for any advice, or any treatment recommendations.

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Angel91
    Angel91 lynsey99454

    Posted

    I have had PR 8 times now so that must make me very unlucky lol. I do feel your pain about your scar, a few of mine have left the skin discoloured. I also have 5 scars on my stomach and chest, 4 on my back, and a belly full of stretch marks. There was a time when I would have shied away from a bikini. Also because I am fat. But you have to learn to love your body. You can't let one little patch of discoloured skin ruin your life. You have to learn to love each scar. I have scars from violence, scars from self harm, scars from illnesses, scars from surgery and scars from carrying my beautiful princess. Each and every single scar is part of the story of my life, through the good times and the bad. I know you think it looks ugly, but it isn't. It doesn't have to be if you don't want it to anyway. Most people will be too polite to ask that do, and those that do ask... it only take 2 seconds to say "it's a scar from an old illness". xx

    As for this episode scarring, not all of mine have, I would say about 3 of the 8 left discoloured patches, and one of those discoloured patches has disappeared after 4 years so the others might too. So you might get away with it, and even if you don't it may fade in the future. But I think you should try to love it, it is just another page in your story. xxx

    • Angel91
      Angel91

      Posted

      Most people will be too polite to ask "what's that?" I meant!!! I am too tired!
  • lindsaycrawford
    lindsaycrawford lynsey99454

    Posted

    I cannot tell if I have ringworm or PR. The doctors said it could be Ringworm but I feel like it'd be PR. The makes me very self conscious. Especially since right now I have the rash. This is my first time getting it. I'm 18. Do you have any advice?
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