Pityriasis rosea is a rash that tends to begin in the middle of the body--for instance, in the middle of the back--and "branch" outwards, resembling the branches of a pine tree. It is characterized by an initial, or "herald", patch of scaly, red skin; after a few weeks, this turns into a rash of smaller scaly spots that may be itchy. While certain prescription medications may help, patients with this rash may try non-prescription medicines as well as other home-based treatments to improve symptoms.
Calamine Lotion
The Mayo Clinic website offers several home remedies to help soothe the itchiness associated with a pityriasis rosea rash. One such remedy is to apply calamine lotion on the areas of skin that are itchy. The advantage of using such a remedy is that it is available without a prescription and is unlikely to result in unwanted side effects.
Oatmeal Bath
Another possible method of improving the itchiness of a pityriasis rash is to bathe with an oatmeal product. One such product is Aveeno Soothing Bath Treatment product. As described by the Aveeno website, this is a product that is made out of colloidal oatmeal. When added to bathwater, the oatmeal dissolves and can help soothe itchy skin that is caused by a rash such as pityriasis rosea. Generic alternatives, such as Walgreen's Soothing Oatmeal Bath, are also available.
Shower or Bath in Lukewarm Water
According to the Mayo Clinic website, the simple step of bathing or showering in tepid water may provide some relief for the patient with pityriasis rosea. While the idea of bathing or showering in water that is not particularly warm may sound unappealing, the heat of a normal-temperature shower or bath may dry skin out, leading to the patient feeling even more itchy. By turning the heat down and bathing in lukewarm water, there may be some relief from this unpleasant symptom of pityriasis rosea.
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