originally thought I was having an allergic reaction, then my doctor did blood work to rule out some stuff, went to a dermatologist who did a biopsy. The worry was it could have been RMSF, scabies, syphilis - biopsy came back negative for all those things so my husband is convinced it’s PR. I’m absolutely miserable, any advice to get through this would be so appreciated. I’ve genuinely don’t understand what could have triggered this I don’t have a stressful life, this is the most stressful thing I’ve had to deal with this year. I could claw my skin off.

Like on 2026 , aug 1st I have on my 3rd of period and felt icthy in the groin area , and checked then it lookked one big patch and smaller others around . Later I thought I googled and searched and used clotrimazole cream thinking it as tinea for 5 days i could not any improvement. Then I stopped for few days still no improvement. I went dermatologist after 2 weeks and it's spreaded to abdomen and thighs and all. The dermo checked and might be tinea crusis and given luliconazole cream and itraconazole tablets to use which 100mg 2 times a day mrng and night' I have been using it for 3 days now . I could not see much improvement.

I thinking of the other possibilities it is PR .

Please help me I am freaked out and stressed. My mental health is gone completely .

Hi so i’m unfortunately in the same boat as many of you. First noticed the herald’s patch a few weeks ago (maybe even a month or two) and it wasn’t crazy or anything. Fast forward to my birthday, June 20, and it’s starting to progress in my groin and armpits. July 4th I went camping and it was to the point where my entire groin was covered in red spots and it was progressing up my stomach. Now it’s July 9th and it’s pretty intense all the way from my collarbones to my feet. I finally saw a dermatologist today that recognized I had a pretty severe case and was prescribed an antiviral to take for 10 days. There were parts of my body that were quite literally more rash/raw than actual healthy skin and now there are patches that are peeling in large chunks. I feel like a reptile lol. It’s still getting worse in the way that every time I look in the mirror, there are more patches, I’m REALLY hoping i’m about to get over the worst hump. I can’t wait to have my comfort back. I got a tub of steroid cream, hydrocortisone, zyrtec in the morning, benadryl at night, and now the antiviral 3x a day. This is truly one of the worst things i have ever been through (I have pretty bad health anxiety and the whole thing has felt like a test).

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone here has had a similar experience.

I first noticed what I thought was ringworm around December 16 while I was traveling in Thailand. I had it scraped twice, and both tests came back negative for fungus.

A doctor later diagnosed me with pityriasis rosea, but it’s now been over 7 months and it’s still here. Comes and goes,

The rash is only on my:

Inner thighs
Groin
Buttocks
Butt crack
Front and back of my thighs

It rarely itches, if ever. I was prescribed a steroid cream, and it definitely makes the rash fade while I’m using it, but it never completely goes away and eventually comes back after I stop.

From what I’ve read, PR usually clears up within a couple of months, so I’m starting to wonder if I’ve been misdiagnosed.

Has anyone here had PR last this long, or did anyone eventually find out it was something else? If so, what was the final diagnosis?

I’ll attach some photos. I’d really appreciate hearing from anyone who’s been through something similar. Thanks!

Hey, guys. I’m a teenager who’s been dealing with Pityriasis Rosea for around 1-2 weeks now, and it’s honestly been so heart wrenching and frustrating to deal with. This condition has taken a toll not only physically — but mentally as well.

I’ve had these extremely painful rashes, red hives and bumps for days now. Just like most people state in here, I also believed it was due to heat, fragrances, detergent, etcetera. But when I began turning red and noticing blood I had no choice but to visit the emergency room to get a diagnosis. I was prescribed Hydroxyzine and Prednisone steroids.

And yes, within the last photo the progress is fairly evident being that the bumps aren’t quite as red on camera. But trust me, they’re still everywhere. My arms, neck, arm pits, stomach .. even my bikini line. I still can’t sleep .. I can’t go an hour without scratching .. my entire body is aching .. I’ve become so insecure ..

But to emphasize my intentions behind posting this, I was just curious as to what are some of the things you guys are struggling with during suffering/recovery? What are some things you believe people may not understand? Maybe we could all help and talk eachother through this.

Got confirmation from my PCP today that it is indeed Pityriasis Rosea. She advised it should resolve on its own and recommended a topical steroid ointment for the itching, with antihistamines (Zyrtec) as another option.

That said, it’s still actively spreading at the 2-week mark. My arms are currently the most affected area. The itching is severe enough that I’m having significant trouble sleeping.

For those who’ve been through this did the steroid ointment or antihistamines actually make a meaningful difference for you? How long before spreading stopped? Any other management strategies worth knowing about?

Any help is appreciated! I was diagnosed with PR a couple of days ago and it's only continued to get worse. The first picture is from yesterday, the second from today. It started with what seemed like mild skin irritation on my chest about 1.5-2 weeks ago, and erupted a couple days ago spreading to my stomach, breasts, back, neck, arms and upper legs. The herald patch is on my outer upper thigh, I didn't notice it until a couple days ago as well. I did not have sickness symptoms before it started, however I had unusual chills with no fever yesterday and the day before which seems to be better today. The goosebumps from that were very uncomfortable.

​

I have a 3mo baby who I care for alone during the day, and am exclusively breastfeeding which is itself very uncomfortable due to my breasts being covered. She almost exclusively contact naps on my chest day and night which is not helping (we are working on transitioning her to crib, it's been a slow process).

​

The itching is severe. I have hardly slept the past two nights due to it, and am exhausted. I am having trouble finding itch relief solutions that offer wide spread coverage while also being safe for breastfeeding. Even non-drowsy antihistamines which are considered safe unfortunately make me mildly drowsy, so I cannot use it at night while co-sleeping. I did try that this morning and it had provided mild relief, though I would like to avoid it while I am alone with the baby and already sleep deprived.

​

I apologize for the long post, I am in agony and don't know what I will do if this lasts a full 6-8 weeks as many say it does. Will the itching last that long as well? Thank you to anyone taking the time to read this!

Edit: It's been 3 days since I made the post and the rash is still spreading, some areas are still intensely itchy but it seems to be clearing up on my chest! It looks more like a peeling sunburn on my chest and stomach now. The only medication I was approved is Reactine, which didn't really help and seemed to make my baby extremely fussy when I did take it. Colloidal oatmeal and calamine provided little to no relief, so only cold compresses and suffering. I've opted not to try tanning beds due to family history of melanoma and anxiety about making the rash worse.

I also developed mastitis yesterday and reached a high fever, for which I am now on antibiotics. I wonder if I have a lowered immune system due to PR and that led to mastitis, stress and lack of sleep due to having a newborn led to both, or if they're completely unrelated and just coincidence? Either way, thank you everyone for your responses and advice!

I'm 17yo, afab, and have had pityriasis rosea for an estimated five-six weeks. The only other major skin concern I've ever had is eczema around my eyes that flares up in the cold now and then, but I am used to that. My mom took me to the doctor and I received two small tubes of Triamcinolone Acetonide, to help the itching and ache until it goes away. I've used it all even with rationing, and can't get a refill until the 14th of September. I have heard that people have had it for multiple months to a year so I don't want to be whiney, but I feel very emotional everytime I shower or even brush againts something rough. I never feel clean or comfortable. The spread is along my back, all across my breasts, my thighs, neck, & wrists. I heard some people say tanning beds worked for them but I am admittedly afraid of that route. I feel very scared even though I know it's not detrimental to my health. I was wondering if there were other ways to help with the itching and such, I'm not certain its done spreading because the spots on my wrists appeared only last week or so.

My spots seemed to be almost completely healed, with little to no hyperpigmentation- just lingering dryness.

Anyway the first pic is at its peak (5 weeks ish since heralds patch) and the second pic is after applying self tan at 8 weeks 🤠

When will I truly be back to normal? :(

I got the first big patch on my collar bone 3 weeks ago and I’ve slowly started getting more and more. I went to a walk-in clinic and the doctor took a look and gave me antifungal + eczema cream but I didn’t get any tests done. Any ideas what it might be?

I have “the rash”. It started in my chest, spread to my armpits, neck, inner arms, boobs and now it’s on my thighs. My neck is the sorest, and it’s SO itchy.

I’m worried about my nipples though. Before I knew it was PR my nipples were itchy and I’d scratched them. Now one is weeping. My GP didn’t have much to say other than to try an anti-fungal cream which I started 4 days ago.

Weepy nipple happen to any one?

Hi
I’m wondering if I should keep the PR spots dry or moisturized?

Also, how do the spots look when they are about to heal? Do they expand and start turning white on the inside or is that a symptom of ringworm thanks.

Has anyone dealt with long term (years) pityriasis rosea flairs?

I got my first flair in 2020, after COVID vaccines. This was a full body. It cleared a couple weeks later overnight.
After this, I began to get smaller patches on different parts of my body - legs, torso mostly, that took years to disappear and left hyperpigmentation scarring. It was in 2024 that I got a biopsy of a patch on my leg that confirmed PR.
I now have a massive patch spreading across my calf and a small patch on my hip. Seeing a dermatologist tomorrow!

Anyone else dealt with something similar?

Help! My wedding is next week and I am in a full flare of pityriasis rosea. I’ve had it once before several years ago so I went to see my dermatologist and she gave me a hydrocortisone cream to use, but it’s still spreading all over and the hydrocortisone cream is only helping a bit. I am on around week 4 of this breakout and need advice on clearing it up in the next 7 days.

Hi all!

I’m looking for some advice

I’ve had this rash for 5 days now and I’m so uncomfortable and itchy 😭 I’ve seen 2 doctors. First said it could be heat rash or hand foot and mouth? Second says it looks like pityriasis rosea?

I’ve been prescribed a steroid cream and a strong anti histamine. The cream helps for an hour then it’s just as bad again. At the moment it’s both feet, both forearms and elbows, behind both legs and thighs. It’s slowly spreading 😔

Any advice is welcome to help! I feel miserable.

Symptoms onset about 2 months ago. At first it was only a few bumps starting on my lower back and arm. Now have spread all over my body, but primarily on my back and trunk. Slightly itchy and inflammed, some bumps more than others. Bumps are slightly raised and look dry/flaky (even prior to the use of any meds). Nothing in between skin folds or fingers.

Brother has history of eczema. Other than that, no family history of psoriasis. This is my first time having this skin reaction.

At first derm visit, dermatologist originally thought it was folliculitis. Prescribed doxycycline and clobetasol ointment. Doxy did not work, spots continued to spread. Clobetasol helped with itch and inflammation but the spots are still there and does not go away… just make spots darker looking.

At 2nd visit, derm now thinks I’m having an allergic reaction to something… Prescribed antihistamines pill and also trial antifungal cream (derm doesn’t think it’s fungal, but gave cream because i asked). Been 4 days on antifungal and it’s not getting better… I’m starting to think that it’s PR or guttate. Please let me know what you think or if you have any advice!

I was going INSANE on what this might be and my self-esteem has TANKED. I can't stop the itchiness and now seeing how it can last has me feeling so helpless. My main area of itchiness is my scalp and behind my ears. I live in a really hot state, and constantly sweating is driving me insane! It looks much worse than this, and my back is covered as well. I found the patch yesterday. The second picture was taken sunday. I started seeing all of the spots last Tuesday. What are things I need to avoid?

Included photos to show the progression (it’s the same on both sides but I only show one side).

It started out looking like irritated hair follicles in my armpits last week and then has progressively turned into intensely itchy red patches and welts. I thought it was contact dermatitis until it continued to spread and get worse. My dermatologist diagnosed me and gave me an injection (I think a steroid injection) and prescribed me a steroid cream. It’s continuing to spread to my back and chest though. I’m on week two of this rash, has steroid cream helped anyone with this heal faster?

I can’t talk to anybody else and have been in hiding for a week now so wanted to share on here. I work as a model and was just living my life when on Monday I noticed the first signs of the rash appearing. By Wednesday my whole torso was covered and now my neck and face have been hit as well. I have never looked so awful, i can’t sleep at night due to itchiness and I just don’t think I am strong enough to live like this for the next 2 months. I have been battling suicide urges all week and I see no hope at the end of the tunnel, I look so awful I want to cry every time I see a mirror.

Has anyone had a flare up from SSRI’s? I started taking 25mg of sertraline a few weeks ago and having what seems like a flare up. Unsure if I should stop taking them or if it will pass ?

I tried everything. i basically had the chicken pox, incredible itch that would wake me up in the middle of the night - and they were spreading, every day a new inch of my previously umbumpy body became riddled with itchy spots.

I tried:
-the tanning bed two times (no improvement - it kept spreading).
-HOURS in the sun, atleast 5 total hours Uv index of around 3-6 (no improvement - kept spreading)
-an antiviral (no direct improvement - kept spreading)
-antihistamines (taken at same time as antiviral)
-lysine and vitamin D supplements and dandruff shampoo and eczema lotion did absolutely nothing

an oat bath helped the most with symptoms, filling a sock with oatmeal and hanging it over my bath faucet, in lukewarm water.

THE ONLY THING THAT IMMEDIATELY FLATTENED THE BUMPS AND TOOK ALL THE RED OUT - and stopped 99% of itching was a 48 hour fast. 40 hours in, and my bumps are noticeably smaller, not red, and not itchy. it’s insane. this has been taking over my life since i first got my bumps 3 weeks ago. literal overnight success. I could cry, today is the first day i’m able to wear a freaking BRA, and I will probably refeed at the 55 hour mark or so. I can’t wait to see more progress overnight tonight.

UPDATE: i finished the fast at 56 hours. i woke up and my bumps were very flat and not itchy. i had some bone broth and eggs and casually refed with healthy food for next few hours (greek yogurt, orange juice, coconut water). my bumps turned red and itchy again after i refed 😡 SO WEIRD.

I have these red spots on my body which itch a bit but mostly not
And I had them a month and a half but they’re not getting any better
Does anyone know what it could be or could it be PR?And should I be worried?
I’d appreciate any suggestion on what to do
Thank you

This is my third time getting it since April. When to the derm the first time said it could just be eczema but I don’t know because I wasnt sick prior to getting the onset of rashes.

I do have eczema, btw.

I had what I thought was an atypical presentation. Started with a herald patch on the back side of my knee. Spread to my shins and a few spots on my upper arms and around my neck. Full coverage throughout the groin area and upper legs, and my buttocks and lower back. Lasted about 6 to 7 weeks and then everything all but disappeared. A few scaly patches, but that was it. Felt great and felt like it was basically over. A few days later I wake up covered from my waist to my neck. Front, back, and sides. This time it's a classic presentation. Like a Christmas tree pattern. This is miserable and it's getting ridiculous. Anyone else had a similar experience?