There is no cure for pityriasis rosea in conventional medical science, however, there are some good home remedies which help to heal the condition effectively and fast. Pityriasis rosea is a viral skin infection that appear as skin rash and is easily misunderstood as ringworm rashes in the early stages.
The most interesting thing about Pityriasis Rosea is that if you get it once then you won't get it ever after that. It is a skin rash that lasts for a maximum of 6 weeks. It generally begins on the stomach , back or chest and spreads to other body parts. Luckily it doesn't affect the face, hands and feet. In rare cases Pityriasis Rosea can last up to 12 weeks or more. Younger individuals between the ages of 10-35 normally get affected by Pityriasis Rosea.
Initially a 2-10 dry pink to red color rash appears with a very clearly defined scaly border. This initial patch is called "harald patch". Within the next two weeks more similar rashes begin to appear on the trunk, arms and legs. The oval shaped spots that appear on stage 2 are 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm long.
Pityriasis Rosea rashes can be unsightly and can create anxiety. The rashes usually are not painful but as they grow in numbers, you may begin to feel some pain. In some cases even you do not feel any itch, but in the other cases it may severely itch. Itching seems to increase during rigorous sports activities and hot showers when the area is irritated by the sweat of the exercise or heat of the shower. Stress can also aggravate the itching.
Pityriasis Rosea is some times accompanied by sore throat, fatigue, nausea and body ache. You may also lose your appetite, otherwise most affected people don’t feel any other symptoms and remain in very good health.
5 Simple and Effective Home Remedies for Healing Pityriasis Rosea Rashes
1. Aloe Vera
Aloe Vera is your safest and one of the best bets to heal pityriasis rosea. It will soothe the itch. Fresh Aloe Vera gel is always better than the commercially available one, but both will do the job.
- Cut a fresh aloe vera leaf
- Remove the skin and extract the gel
- Apply on the entire affected area by gently rubbing it
- Keep the rest of the gel in a sealed container in refrigerator for further use
Rub the aloe vera gel 3-4 times a day until the rashes are gone.
2. Oatmeal
Another way is to apply cooked oatmeal on the rashes.
- Cook a cup of oatmeal in water
- Let it cool completely to normal room temperature
- Apply it on the affected area
- Let it dry on the skin and flake off on its own
3. Neem Leaves
Neem has anti-fungal, antibacterial and antiviral properties. It is one of the best home remedies for pityriasis rosea rashes. It will not only sooth the itch but will also stop infections if any. Boil a bunch of neem leaves (about 250grams) in a bucket of water for 10 minutes.
Take a bath with this water. Keep the water warm to the level your body can easily bear. Colder the better!
4. Coconut Oil
Virgin coconut oil is another remedy to heal rashes of pityriasis rosea. Coconut oil keeps the skin well-nourished and moisturized.
- Apply coconut oil on the rashes generously
- Massage for 5 minutes to let the skin absorb the oil
This will soothe the itch as well as protect from infections as coconut oil is also anti-fungal, antiviral and antibacterial.
5. Calamine
Calamine lotion is a very good agent for soothing the itch. Apply calamine lotion generously on the rashes. Leave it there. Make sure that the lotion is completely dried out before you wear your clothes. Apply again when you find it necessary.