Pityriasis rosea - I'm 99% sure this is what I have so do I need to see GP?

[IHeartKingThistle]

Apparently it goes away on its own?

My front and back are covered, covered with very itchy red patches. Initially I was gutted because they appeared shortly after we brought our new pet rats home but then DH remembered that he'd spotted a patch on my back on Boxing day before we even got the rats. So I've done some googling and what I have fits exactly with this diagnosis due to the 'herald patch' that arrived first; pics look the same etc. I've had it 5/6 weeks and it says it will go in 12. There's no real treatment and not contagious. I don't feel ill, I just look horrendous and spend a great deal of time scratching! Shall I wait and see if it goes or go to the GP to get it confirmed?

[IHeartKingThistle]

Bump?

[Idefix]

If it is PR then you are right about the prognosis and treatment options - antihistamines and keeping the area moisturised and try to avoid extremes of heat or cold as it exacerbates the itchiness.

We see it a lot in gps as it looks fairly dramatic and for the most part it is just OTC treatment and self-care advice.

However it is worth noting it can go on longer and become v itchy, my own dd had it for nearly 6 months and ended up having biopsies to check against a more serious but similar looking condition that develops in teenagers.

Dd end up having uv treatment 3x a week to spend recovery but not sure if you that is an option in the uk.

I hope the itch settles down for you.

[Inneedofaholiday2017]

Are you sure it's not ring worm? If it were me I would get some daktarin from pharmacy and treat one spot - see if it improves

[fizzybootlace]

Sorry you are suffering with this.

I had this a few years ago, 3 weeks before I was due to go on a beach holiday. Had really tried to lose weight and was looking forward to the bikini after many years when this struck. GP said the same, no treatment and wait it out, it would clear up in about 6-8 weeks.

Because I have zero patience I went online and some suggested milk thistle and a zinc/vitamin c tablet. I also lay in the sun with no sun cream to get some uv at any opportunity, this was a bit naughty but was really desperate to try anything.

Anyway they were gone by the holiday but I obviously don't know if it was down to any of my efforts or would have gone of its own accord.

I imagine sun exposure isn't an option but maybe worth the herbal treatments. Hope you get better soon x

[IHeartKingThistle]

Thanks for the replies. God I hope it isn't ringworm! I don't think it is as it's only that first patch that has a ring shape, the rest are more like patches. I did put Daktarin on it a few times early on and it got a bit lighter but is very much still there. Dammit maybe I should go and get it seen then.

[mumsnit]

I had it and took a while to be diagnosed as the rash wasn't entirely typical (trust me!!). Went away in about 3 months completely without any treatment at all. Was one of the weirdest things I've ever had tbh!

[LordTrash]

I've had this a couple of times on my hands - always goes away in the end, but is an itchy pain while it lasts. Antihistamines eased it.

[IHeartKingThistle]

Urgh new blotches on legs and arms now!

[littlerose12345]

Hi, I've been diagnosed with this.. Itching like crazy!!

I've had it for two weeks... how long did yours last?? Dermatologist said it should go in 6 weeks?!