Pityriasis Rosea

I am a 42 year old Caucasian female with no chronic health problems.  Three weeks ago I developed a rash on my chest, stomach, and back, which my doctor told me is pityriasis rosea.  She told me there is no treatment and to come back in THREE MONTHS if it doesn't go away.  I've been using calamine lotion and cortisone ointment, but the itching is driving me crazy and the rash just keeps getting worse.  Yesterday I discovered that it has spread to my pubic area and genitals, where it is burning and stinging.  I really can't take this much longer!  According to some information I found on the internet, pityriasis rosea is probably caused by a herpes virus and one study found that it can be cured acyclovir.  I talked to my doctor about this but she won't prescribe acyclovir for me because she says it is not yet FDA approved for treatment of pityriasis rosea.  So I am considering purchasing some acyclovir on the internet without a prescription.  I don't know what else to do.  I've read that pityriasis rosea is most common in young adults and if you get it when you are over 35 (like me), you will probably have a worse case and it could last for 6 months.  Do I have any other options for treatment?  I realize that this is supposed to be a "minor" ailment, but I can't stand it and I feel awful that I will be forced to go behind my doctor's back to obtain something to help me.

[Alan Rockoff, MD]

I don't suggest that you take acyclovir on your own on the basis of one study.  Most cases of pityriasis don't need to be treated at all.  If yours is that uncomfortable, your doctor may want to consider treating you with topical steroid creams or even with a short course of oral steroids.  No, you don't need to worry about this going on for 6 months.  Make your doctor aware of the intensity of your distress.  Time is on your side--you'll be better in just a little while.

Take care.

Dr. Rockoff