Slide show: Common skin rashes

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Christmas tree rash (pityriasis rosea)

Christmas tree rash (pityriasis rosea) is a fine, itchy, scaly rash that usually appears first as a single patch on the chest, abdomen or back. After this first appearance (herald patch), the rash may spread as small patches to other parts of the back and chest and to the limbs. The rash may form a pattern on the back that resembles the outline of a Christmas tree.

Christmas tree rash usually resolves without treatment within six to eight weeks, but it can last several months. Medicated lotions may lessen itchiness and may help hasten its disappearance, but they're often not required.

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