Pityriasis Rosea in Children: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Pityriasis Rosea In Children: What Is It?

A common rash, pityriasis rosea causes itchiness and burning. Inflammatory, scaly, and pink skin is the result. Most rashes last between a month and three months and cannot be seen for more than that amount of time. There is no risk of spreading this rash.

What Are The Causes Of Pityriasis Rosea In Children?

The cause of pityriasis rosea is unknown. The virus or bacteria that causes it is believed to be responsible. Young children, adolescents, and adults are most likely to suffer from it. A cold may precede the rash in some children. Spring and fall are the most common times for the rash to appear.[1]

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What Are The Symptoms Of Pityriasis Rosea In Children?

This dermatitis mainly affects the chest, stomach, and back where large, tan or pink patches appear. Usually, small pink or tan patches appear after the rash (also called a Herald patch). People are frequently affected in the midsection, such as the lower back, the neck, or the arms. It will go away on its own after 14 weeks.

Pityriasis rosea can cause the following symptoms. Nevertheless, symptoms can vary from child to child. Here are some symptoms to look out for:

  • Aches
  • Itching
  • Fatigue

There are many skin conditions and health problems that can have symptoms similar to pityriasis rosea. You should always seek a diagnosis from your child’s health care provider. [2]

How Does Pityriasis Rosea Get Diagnosed in Children?

Generally, such rashes don’t happen. Pityriasis rosea is usually diagnosed based on your child’s health history and a physical examination. Additionally, your child’s healthcare provider may order blood tests to rule out other conditions that may share the same symptoms as pityriasis rosea.

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What Is The Treatment For Pityriasis Rosea In Children?

Symptoms, age, and general health of your child will all determine the treatment. Additionally, the severity of the condition will determine how long it will take.

Symptoms such as itching are treated by treating pityriasis rosea. Rashes usually go away by themselves. Based on how severe the rash is, the healthcare provider will decide how to treat your child. The following treatments may be used:

  • Creams and lotions containing medicinal ingredients
  • Oral medications
  • Oatmeal baths
  • UV exposure
  • Compression that cools

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When Should I Contact My Child’s Healthcare Provider?

This skin rash will disappear by itself. Pityriasis rosea is mild and usually goes away by itself. The healthcare provider of your child should be contacted if:

  • A very sick child is brought home from the hospital.
  • There is no improvement or worsening of the rash.
  • You might experience a lot of discomfort for your child due to itching.
  • Scratching the rash leads to a secondary bacterial infection in your child.

Children and Pityriasis Rosea: Key Points

  • A common rash, pityriasis rosea causes itchiness and burning. Inflammatory, scaly, and pink skin is the result.
  • Young adults and adolescents are commonly affected by the rash.
  • After one to three months, the rash will clear up by itself.
  • There is no contagious disease associated with Pityriasis rosea.
  • Treating discomfort and itching is the goal of treatment.

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Next Steps

What to do to make your child’s healthcare appointment most effective:

  • Determine the purpose and the outcome of your visit.
  • If you want to ask a question, write it down before you visit.
  • You should note new diagnoses, as well as any drug, treatment, or test you receive during your visit. If you receive any new instructions from your provider, make sure to write them down.
  • Your child needs to know why a medication or treatment is being prescribed and how it will benefit him or her. You should also be aware of any side effects.
  • Ask your doctor if there are any other ways to treat your child’s condition.
  • The purpose of a test or procedure as well as its results should be understood.
  • Understand that if your child doesn’t take the medicine, have the test or procedure, you will have to deal with the consequences.
  • Please write down the appointment’s date, time, and purpose if your child has a follow-up appointment.
  • If you need to reach your child’s doctor after office hours, know how to do it. Having this information available may be important if you experience medical difficulties with your child.

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