From the Research
Hot showers are not recommended for pityriasis rosea as they can exacerbate symptoms, and instead, lukewarm or cool showers are preferred to manage this self-limiting skin condition. Pityriasis rosea typically causes a scaly, pink rash that can be itchy, and hot water tends to increase skin inflammation and itching by dilating blood vessels and drying out the skin 1. If you have pityriasis rosea, take short, lukewarm showers (lasting 5-10 minutes) and use mild, fragrance-free soaps. After showering, gently pat your skin dry and apply a moisturizer while your skin is still slightly damp to lock in moisture. Some key points to consider when managing pityriasis rosea include:
- Avoiding hot showers and excessive sun exposure to prevent symptom exacerbation
- Using mild, fragrance-free soaps and moisturizers to soothe the skin
- Considering over-the-counter antihistamines like cetirizine (10mg daily) or diphenhydramine (25-50mg every 4-6 hours) for itching relief
- Applying 1% hydrocortisone cream thinly to affected areas twice daily for up to two weeks for symptom relief Pityriasis rosea typically resolves on its own within 6-8 weeks, but proper skin care and symptom management can help alleviate discomfort and prevent complications 2, 1. It's essential to note that while various treatments have been studied, including oral erythromycin and acyclovir, the evidence for their efficacy is limited, and more research is necessary to determine the best course of treatment 2, 3.