Is Pityriasis Rosea Contagious?

Pityriasis rosea is a skin disorder that was first described by a French physician called Camille Melchior Gilbert in the year 1860. It is sometimes referred to as pityriasis rosea Gilbert. This is a papulosquamous skin condition that can be recognized with the characteristic oval or circular skin patch that appears at its onset.

Both children and adults can develop pityriasis rosea rash. Since various types of skin rashes that can affect humans are contagious, people wonder whether pityriasis rosea can be contracted by contact with an infected person. So, is pityriasis rosea contagious? Scroll to get an idea how this rash looks like and whether this condition is contractable.

As mentioned earlier, the onset of pityriasis rosea is marked by the development of a skin patch. This skin patch is oval in shape and its size may be in the range of 2 to 10 centimeters. More often than not, this skin patch makes an appearance on the abdomen, but it could also develop on one's chest or back.

Dermatologists often refer to this scaly skin patch as a 'mother patch' or a 'herald patch'. In a couple of weeks, pink-colored scaly rashes start appearing on the torso. These small rashes can also appear on the extremities.

Usually the rashes appear in a pattern resembling a Christmas tree. Though the exact cause of this skin condition is still unknown, some of the doctors have ruled out the possibility of bacteria or fungi being the causative agent.

Since people develop a low-grade fever, sore throat, headaches and other flu-like symptoms at the onset of this skin ailment, it is believed that pityriasis rosea may be caused due to a virus. Some believe that eruption of such rashes may be the immune system's response to an infection.

It is believed that the strains of the human herpes virus could be responsible for causing this skin disorder and that the development of these rashes may be a result of reactivation of the strains of human herpes virus.

However, there have been instances where some people who developed this skin ailment tested negative for human herpes virus antibodies. Since there is a lack of evidence to corroborate the identity of the causative agent of this skin infection, you will come across various assumptions regarding the causes of pityriasis rosea.

Well, one cannot give definitive answer to this question due to lack of medical evidence. Pityriasis rosea is considered to self-limiting, harmless or benign in most cases.

There haven't been many instances of the family members of the affected individual or others who stay in proximity to the infected person developing the rash which is why it is believed that pityriasis rosea may not be contagious.

The causative agent does not seem to spread to others through person-to-person contact, yet there is a lack of clarity regarding the aspect of it being contagious. In fact, doctors believe that pityriasis rosea may be linked to an adverse pregnancy outcome.

It is believed that women who develop this skin condition in the first trimester of pregnancy may give birth to child with floppy baby syndrome. Premature delivery is another risk that is associated with this condition.

Though pityriasis rosea is self-limiting in nature, and usually resolves within two to three months, doctors often recommend the topical application of hydrocortisone creams or lotions for the treatment.

Since sun's rays are believed to kill the causative agent, basking in the sun may prove to be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of this skin condition. Taking hot showers can aggravate one's condition, and thus, one must refrain from using hot water for bathing.

One can also consult a herbal practitioner to find out about the essential oils or natural herbs that can be used for soothing the irritated skin. Application of aloe vera gel has been seen to be quite effective.

It would be best to use medicated soaps or other skin care products that have been prescribed by the dermatologist. Doctors may also prescribe anti-viral medication for alleviating the symptoms of this skin ailment.

While pityriasis rosea is not believed to be of a contagious nature, one must refrain from sharing clothing or other personal items of the infected individual to be on a safer side. Though this condition may resolve on its own within a few months, it may last longer in case of immunocompromised individuals.

Rashes that are caused by eczema or ringworm look similar to herald patch or pityriasis rosea rash which is why it would be best to let a dermatologist identify the underlying cause of the rash. So, if you notice such skin rashes and also experience an itching sensation, it would be in your best interest to seek medical help.