Discoloration from pityriasis rosea

[angela400]

I was diagnosed with pityriasis rosea a few days ago. I know it can be at least 6 weeks before it goes away, but I'm wondering if I should begin doing something about the discoloration.  I'm african american with a brown complexion and my skin scars easily. While the rash is still spreading, some of the bumps have dried up and left very dark marks on my body.  Should I wait for the rash to run it's course, or try something now for the discoloration?

Thanks!
AT

[PRwarrior]

Hi Angela400

Please provide an update: are the scars all gone? Is your skin entirely clear like nothing happened? As a black woman with PR, I'm keen to understand more about the post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

[xaznstylegrlx]

I know this is really old, but was wondering what you ended up doing? Mine took it's natural course in 3 months with some sunlight.  But now I have hyperpigmentation. Hydroquinone seems it would take up too much time to apply to each spot (100+) without causing the regular tone skin to lighten as well.

[PRwarrior]

Hi xaznstylegrlx

I have the same issue. What did you do to treat the hyperpigmentation. How long did it take for your skin to even out?
Thanks

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

You are welcome. Wishing you a speedy recovery.

[angela400]

Thanks for your help!
Angela

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hi,

You can apply any non perfumed, hypoallergenic moisturiser. Take care and regards.

[angela400]

Thanks so much for your response!  Just one more question, is it okay to put vitamin E on the rash?  Should I use any sort of moisturizer?

[Bhupinder Kaur, MD]

Hello,
First of all you should wait for pityriasis rosea to run its course and then if there are any dark scars then they have to be treated on lines of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. The treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation includes various skin creams like hydroquinone, azelaic acid, corticosteroids, tretinoin cream and laser treatment. If it still persists then you can go in for laser treatment, Chemical peeling or microdermabrasion.
I hope it helps. Take care and please do keep me posted on how you are doing or if you have any additional queries. Kind regards.