Gilbert's pityriasis rosea is a skin disease that causes the appearance of scaly patches of red or pink color, mainly on the trunk, which appear gradually and disappear on their own, lasting between 6 to 12 weeks.
In most cases, it is common for a large spot to appear with several smaller ones around it, the large ones being called parent spots. Pink pityriasis usually appears only once in a lifetime, in the spring or fall, but there are people who may have the spots every year, around the same time.
The treatment of Gilbert's pityriasis rosea should always be guided by a dermatologist and is done to relieve symptoms, since the spots usually disappear over time, without leaving a scar.
Main symptoms
The most characteristic symptom of pink pityriasis is the appearance of a pink or red spot between 2 and 10 cm in size that is accompanied by smaller, round and itchy spots. These spots can take up to 2 days to appear.
However, there are still cases where other symptoms may arise, such as:
- Fever above 38ยบ; Stomach, head and joint pain; Malaise and loss of appetite; Rounded and reddish spots on the skin.
These skin changes must always be observed and evaluated by a dermatologist to identify the correct problem and initiate the appropriate treatment, according to each case.
Check that other skin problems can cause the appearance of red spots.
What causes pink pityriasis
There is still no specific cause for the appearance of pityriasis rosea, however, it is possible that it is caused by a virus that causes a slight infection of the skin. However, this virus does not spread from person to person, as there are no reported cases of pityriasis rosea that has caught on to someone else.
People who appear to be more prone to developing pink pityriasis are women, during pregnancy, under the age of 35, however, this skin disease can happen to anyone and at any age.
How the treatment is done
Pink pityriasis usually clears up on its own after about 6 to 12 weeks, however, if there is itching or discomfort the dermatologist may recommend treatment with:
- Emollient creams, such as Mustela or Noreva: deeply moisturize the skin, accelerating healing and calming irritation; Corticoid creams, such as hydrocortisone or betamethasone: relieve itching and reduce skin swelling; Antiallergic remedy, such as hydroxyzine or chlorphenamine: are used mainly when itching affects sleep;
In cases where the symptoms do not improve with these treatment options, the doctor can advise treatment with UVB rays, in which the affected region of the skin is exposed, in a device, to a special light.
In some people, blemishes can take more than 2 months to disappear and usually leave no scar or blemish on the skin.
