Do I have Pityriasis Rosea?

I am a Cosmetologist student and I broke out with a red dry patch of skin a few weeks ago on my lower back, and now it had spread into more little patches all over my back, on my collar done, all over my chest, and on my stomach. I had an Esthetics teacher look at it and she said she believes it is Pityriasis Rosea. What should I do and how can I be sure?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
The symptoms are suggestive of pityriasis rosea. Pityriasis rosea is a common human skin disease which presents as numerous patches of pink or red oval rash. The rash may be accompanied by low-grade headache, fever, nausea and fatigue and itching. Topical and oral steroids are needed. Water, sweat, and soap may cause irritation and should be avoided in the disease. Topical zinc oxide and calamine lotion are useful for pruritus.

It is very difficult to precisely confirm a diagnosis without examination and investigations and the answer is based on the medical information provided. For exact diagnosis, you are requested to consult your doctor. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.