Pityriasis rosea

[monica_UK]

I had with pityriasis rosea in December09 - January10 and it then disappeared.

In the last 3 weeks I have noticed that my stomach and upper legs (where the pityriasis rosea was) have some "pale spots".

I was wondering if they are related and if they will eventually disappear and how long will it take? I am due to go on a beach holiday next month and want to make sure that the sun won't make more damage to the skin.

Thank you very much.

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It can be due to pityriasis rosea or post inflammatory hypopigmentation changes. Post inflammatory hypopigmentation is very difficult to treat but sometimes it goes away on its own after exposure to the sun. If the symptoms persist then please get an evaluation done from a dermatologist.

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.

[monica_UK]

Thank you Doctor for your answer, it seems it is post-inflammatory hypopigmentation.

Having had a look on the net it seems there is no treatment and white spots can take long to completely go back to normal. Is this correct?

Do you recommend to use a normal moisturizer or is there any more specific cream I could use?

Thank you very much!!

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
Post inflammatory hypopigmentation is very difficult to treat but sometimes it goes away on its own after exposure to the sun. Creams like  Elidel cream or Protropic can be used on these hypopigmented  areas but at such a young age it is not advisable to use them . If the symptoms still persist then  you can talk to your dermatologist about laser-assisted chemabrasion(LACA).

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.