Pityriasis Rosea is a acute self-healing skin disease commonly seen in people between 10 and 35 of age, but can occur at any age. Although Pityriasis Rosea is harmless self-healing disease which usually resolves after 4-8 weeks, most pregnant women concern on its effects in pregnancy.

Pityriasis Rosea is reported to occur more frequently in pregnancy at a rate of 18% compared to 6% in general population. Though previous studies suggested no harm during pregnancy, current studies suggest that pityriasis rosea may result in spontaneous abortion, premature delivery with neonatal hypotonia and fetal loss especially if it develops before 15 weeks of gestation. These studies were performed on limited number of people and showed that miscarriage might be due to viral infection especially HHV-6. More large scale studies may be required in order to confirm the cause of fetal harm by pityriasis rosea in pregnancy and the cause of pityriasis rosea itself.

If you have pityriasis rosea and you are pregnant, consult your dermatologist. They would definitively give you a better suggestion. As Pityriasis Rosea required no treatment. Treatment is usually focussed on relieving the symptoms and to exclude other associated viral infection like secondary syphilis, herpesvirus, cytomegalovirus, parvovirus and Epstein-Barr which might cause harm to the fetus. For symptomatic relief your dermatologist may prescribe soothing lotions like topical zinc oxide or calamine lotion.

Remember:

  • Excess water, sweat, deodorants or deodorant soaps might irritate your skin. So, try to avoid it. use gentle soaps if needed.
  • Avoid hot water baths. Use cool water as much as possible.
  • Take an oatmeal bath. Search your local pharmacy for oatmeal bath products.
  • Keep the itchy area cool and moist. Use of moisturizing creams and soothing lotions like calamine lotion is recommended.
  • Avoid wool and synthetic fabrics. Wear cotton or silk clothing.

References:

1. Drago F, Broccolo F et al. Pregnancy outcome in patients with pityriasis rosea. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2008 May;58(5 Suppl 1):S78-83

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