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Pityriasis rosea is a peculiar kind of rash that begins as a small red patch, usually in the middle of the back. Over a few weeks the rash begins to spread, branching out like a tree. The skin becomes scaly and causes a lot of itching and discomfort. While treatment usually involves the use of certain prescription medications, many people prefer to try natural remedies at home as an effective cure.

Some of the natural cures that may relieve symptoms include:

• Application of calamine lotion to the itchy areas of the skin can provide relief from the itching. Calamine lotion is available without a prescription and can be safely used without fear of side effects, which may account for its popularity.
• Applying menthol lotions to the affected areas may also help to provide relief.
• Having an oatmeal bath can also provide relief from the itching. Several products are available such as the Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment and Walgreen’s Soothing Oatmeal Bath. These have to be added to a bath which dissolves the oatmeal and provides relief from the itching caused by pityriasis rosea and other rashes.
• Oatmeal from your kitchen can also be used to provide relief. Wrap 1 cup of oatmeal in a cloth and boil it in water. After letting it cool, use it as a sponge on the affected areas.
• Showering or bathing in lukewarm or tepid water can also provide some relief. However, care must be taken not to heat the water too much as this may dry the skin and exacerbate the itching.
• Moisturizing helps to keep the skin supple. However, it is better to first test the lotion on a small area of affected skin to ensure that there is no allergic reaction. Keeping your skin well hydrated can reduce the symptoms of itching associated with pityriasis rosea.
• Keep the affected parts of your body exposed to sunlight for about 15 to 20 minutes every day. This may make the rash disappear quicker. Care should be taken not to over-expose your skin as it may result in sunburn. For the best results, it is safer to expose your skin during the early hours of morning.
• Keep the itchy areas of your skin cool and moist by applying a cold compress to the affected areas.
• Over-the counter hydrocortisone creams can also be applied to the itchy areas to get relief. The cream should be used sparingly on the face, genitals and other sensitive areas. Do not use these creams on children under the age of two years unless they have been prescribed by a doctor.
• Over-the-counter antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) or chlorpheniramine maleate (Chlor – Trimeton) may also be taken orally to provide relief from the itching. A word of caution – these medications are known to induce drowsiness and should be avoided if you are indulging in any activity which requires you to be alert, such as driving.
• As far as possible avoid wearing clothes made from woolen and acrylic fabrics as they may aggravate the itching. Instead, wear clothes made from cotton or silk.
• Avoid harsh soaps and deodorant soaps as they may aggravate the itching. Instead, use gentle soaps.

Since the cause of pityriasis rosea is still not completely understood, treatment usually involves providing symptomatic relief to the patient. Maintaining proper hygiene can help in preventing an occurrence as can avoiding contact with those who have a viral infection. The prognosis is usually good with most cases clearing up on their own within eight weeks. However, you should contact your doctor should your rash last for more than three months.

Can pityriasis rosea be prevented?

The simple answer to this is No. It is not possible it prevent the condition as the cause is not completely known. However since it is a viral infection you could use some basic prevention tips like maintaining good hygiene, avoiding cough droplets from people coughing and sneezing, washing your hands and so on.

Reference

1. http://www.med.nyu.edu/content?ChunkIID=96735

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.