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Treatments and drugs
By Mayo Clinic staffIn most cases, pityriasis rosea goes away on its own in four to six weeks. If the rash doesn't disappear by then or if the itching is bothersome, a variety of treatments can help.
Medications
Certain medications can ease symptoms or shorten the duration of pityriasis rosea. Examples include:
- Corticosteroids. Creams and ointments containing forms of cortisone can help ease itching and decrease redness.
- Antihistamines. Over-the-counter allergy medicines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, others) also can reduce itching. If needed, stronger antihistamines are available by prescription.
- Antiviral drugs. Medicines such as acyclovir (Zovirax) may reduce the duration of pityriasis rosea by one to two weeks.
Light therapy
Exposure to natural or artificial sunlight can help the rash fade. In some people, however, this therapy can cause lasting darkening in certain spots, even after the rash clears.
References
- Pityriasis rosea. The Merck Manuals: The Merck Manual for Healthcare Professionals. http://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/dermatologic_disorders/psoriasis_and_scaling_diseases/pityriasis_rosea.html?qt=pityriasis&alt=sh. Accessed April 23, 2012.
- Goldstein AO, et al. Pityriasis rosea. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed April 23, 2012.
- Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology: A Color Guide to Diagnosis and Therapy. 5th ed. Edinburgh, U.K.; New York, N.Y.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/about.do?about=true&eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-7234-3541-9..X0001-6--TOP&isbn=978-0-7234-3541-9&uniqId=230100505-57. Accessed April 23, 2012.
- Kliegman RM, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 19th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Saunders Elsevier; 2011. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/208746819-6/0/1608/0.html. Accessed April 23, 2012.
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