Is that respiratory infection an early sign of pityriasis?
Pityriasis is generally a benign disease, there aren’t really serious complications and people rarely catch it twice. None the less, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems may be more prone to suffer from pityriasis rosea.
Although officially not contagious, “outbreaks” of pitryriasis have been known to occur in schools and gyms. Since many people who exhibit pityriasis (a rash on skin) often test positive for a viral infection, that may indeed be the cause (and would make it contagious).
The Progression Of Pityriasis:
- Most people experience an upper respiratory infection first (sinus infections, etc.); since a virus is theorized to cause pityriasis, it likely also causes the infection.
- Next, almost everyone with pityriasis exhibits an oval shaped patch, the begining of the rash on skin. Some people may also expierence signs of infection, including fever, nausea, and malaise. The rash can range from discoloration to raised bumps.
- A couple of weeks later, the rest of the pink/red rash on skin appears, and lasts for 1-6 months. Some people will experience itching (which could be a dry skin issue due to increased hygiene at the sign of the rash on skin, or from the peeling that the rash causes). Scratching could break skin and cause further infection, and if it’s contagious scratching may spread the rash on skin.
- Most people get pityriasis rash on torso skin, although it can also specifically affect the groin.
Studies have found that at the first sign of a rash on skin caused by pityrisis, getting some sun on the rash on skin can help shorten the duration of the disease.
It’s important to see a doctor to confirm a diagnosis, as there are more serious diseases that need to be ruled out. Plus, pityriasis can be confused with ringworm, but can’t be treated with fungicides, so ensuring a proper diagnosis is critical to treatment.
What are your great anti-itch remedies? Share in the comments:
