pityriasis rosea

Hi doctor
I have pityriasis rosea break outs right now. I was reading about it and on some website said that you can only get it once in your life time. Is this true? Because I have gotten this twice already. The first time I thought I had a ring worm because I have red patches with greyish indented middles. But a doctor told me that a ring worm would not spread all over the torso like that. And it went away by it self in a couple weeks. The second time (which is 2 years apart) The same rashes appeare to be much more severe. I'm having these on my torso, arms and thigs. So I was wondering if this is also pityriasis rosea. Is it possible to get it twice? Or is there skin condition that is similar to this?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
It is true that one attack of pityriasis rosea presents only once but recurrences have been reported in some cases. 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.
I would suggest you to consult a dermatologist and get steroids prescribed. 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 dermatologist. I sincerely hope that helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing.

[Jdrpd1]

I have been diagnosed with PR and I am pregnant.  I have it on my genitals.  Is it possible?  OR should I think this is something else?  Also, is this more dangerous for my baby?  I'm really worried, can anyone help?  Thanks

[cilla4255]

If you are prego that happens or you might not be giving your body enough vitamins..

[Bee300]

I really do believe there my immune system was weak at the time when I had the pityriasis rosea  break outs. I also had chicken pox at the time. Eventhough I already got chicken pox vaccine vaccinated twice. This was still a mystery for me why did I still get it. So I had 2 different kinds of rashes going on at the same time. It was really awful. The chicken pox went away after a week. Pityriasis rosea remained for about a week and a half more.

[9__9]

my son has had Pityriasis rosea for a year, he is VERY healthy and is very active and drinks water...he is only 14 and i dont understand why it wont go away.. is it contractible?