Pityriasis Rosea - some hopefully helpful tips

Hi everyone,

I was diagnosed with pityriasis rosea just over 2 weeks ago and, contrary to what I was told to expect by my Doctor, have seen a massive improvement in my symptoms in those 2 weeks so wanted to share my tips in case it hells anyone else!

By way of a brief background, I noticed (what I now know to be) a herald patch on my arm at the beginning of December. Initially I thought nothing of it but when it seemed to be growing in size, I went to the pharmacist and from seeing a picture of it, they thought it may have been ringworm and i was given some anti fungal cream.

I started using the cream but only a few days later, noticed I was coming out in red blotches on my stomach. I therefore went to see my Dr on 13th December and was told it was pityriasis rosea. I was told there was nothing that could be done to treat it, it would usually last about three months and hopefully it wouldn't spread to my face.

Perhaps not surprisingly, I came away from the Drs feeling miserable and felt even worse when I googled images of how bad it could get. For about 3-4 days, I was miserable. The rash was getting worse - what had started as a few blotches on my stomach had already grown considerably - it had spread further over my stomach, my chest, my sides, my back and my arms.

I decided to do some research, including coming on this forum. I've tried loads of different things so I honestly can't pinpoint which has worked BUT, the rash has not only stopped spreading, the redness has almost completely gone and I currently have a few faint marks which are getting fainter by the day!

So, itching wise I have been fairly lucky. It has itched at night but I've found using a cold compress (just wetting a small towel with cold water) has helped massively.

For the rash, I've been drinking loads of water and taking supplements - vitamin D; vitamin C; Zinc; L-Lysine.

I have also been using head and shoulders - I use it as a shower gel in the morning and then for the first week, in the evening, I would cover the rash with it, leave it on for 10 minutes before washing it off. I have then been applying nappy rash cream to the affected area. For the last few days, I've been using Bio Oil twice a day to further reduce the marks and they are now almost gone!

Like I say, I've no idea which of these treatments has helped but something has made a huge difference in two weeks. I know everyone is different so it may not work for everyone but, if you haven't tried it, give it a try. I know how disheartened I was after my Doctors appointment so hoping this may help someone as I honestly don't think people who have never had PR will understand just how big of an impact it can have on someone!

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