Attack of another Rash-- this one explained Pityriasis Rosea

Pityriasis Rosea

a small sample of the rash on my abdomen.

About four weeks ago, I developed an itchy pink spot on my lower abdomen. About the size of my thumb, it was oval shaped, very pink, very itchy.

I immediately thought I ate something or used a product I shouldn't have...with all my allergies, of course that 's the first thing that comes to mind.  

Hydro-cortisone cream doesn't work.  I tried Neosporin.  Nothing.  The itchy spot remained.  I decided the next step would be the dermatologist.  

Two weeks go by, and a few days before my appointment, I wake up to a bunch of bumps on my abdomen and chest that look like mosquito bites.  They are raised and itch like mosquito bites, too.  I thought one went wild on me like a buffet in the night.  

Then, I saw Dr Laura.  She looked at me and smiled.  "That's a mother patch!"  

She explained I have Pityriasis Rosea.  Its believed to be caused by a virus, but its kinda unknown.   There is no cure, it goes away after some time.  She asked if I needed more cortisone cream and sent me on my way, expecting it to be gone in another 3-6 weeks time.

Of course, we are 1.5 weeks from seeing Dr Laura, and I am still a crazy itchy person that just wants relief.  I've hit a bunch of websites, looking for home remedies and cures that helped others like me.  Granted, I know I have a weak immune system, even though my "numbers" are good.  PR is a mother of a rash.  I have 2 mother or herald patches, bigger than the others, not really raised, but a bit flaky.   Surrounding my entire body from my knees to my ears are little itchy pink bumps.  Warm water, soap, and sweat/exercise seem to make them stick out more, feel more itchy, and make them more red.  So, my pimple-dotted pits do not see deodorant right now.  I take cool showers.  I try to wear little clothing, because seams and hems tend to rub against my skin and really get me itchy.  

It sucks.  The pamphlet I got at the doc's office says it will go away on its own, but really I just have to put up with it!  

So,, that's what I'vMe been up to.  How about you?  I noticed when I itch too much the skin breaks, and I end up with little scabs.  This is not contagious, by the way.  I got it from something, but not another person.  It looks awful because it is awful.  Looks like no swimming pools until this clears up for me.

Itchy Rash all over hands, neck, chest, shoulders and face along hairline

So, if you look through older posts, you will know I was dealing with a mysterious rash this winter.  It started around January 1, and has come back after treatments. 
My GP gave me Medrol in January, and when it came back Jan 30 (about 3 days after the Medrol pack was finished), I went to a dermatologist who prescribed me a prednisone regimen.  This helped greatly, and we were able to go on our trip to Vegas, as the rash stopped itching, cleared up, and I felt great. 
A week after the prednisone was finished, I started to itch again.  The rash came back and this time spread to my shoulders and arms.  It was a bunch of tiny raised red bumps.  My derm decided to refer me to an allergist.  In the meantime, I was given some 2.5% hydrocortisone cream.  Don't use this on your face, as I found out... it clears the rash, but then you have a feeling of sunburn on your face.  In retrospect, I should have known better, my skin is pretty sensitive anyway.
Here we are, into April, and I am still dealing with this rash.  I had my first allergy test (the prick kind, on your back) last week, and this week I will have another test.  Wow, its uncomfortable, I'm not going to lie.  Didn't like it one bit.  They poked my back with 40 pricks, each with a different known allergen.  Then, she said I didn't react to some of the most common ones, so she injected my arm with 13 additional -- to recheck!  Not fun, and very uncomfortable.
Two weeks ago, I decided to stop taking my last medication, which was a hormone pill (its just birth control) Amethia.  Amethia is a generic for Seasonique.   Guess what?  A week after stopping that pill, I began to notice less itching.  Was it from the removal of the pill or was it from the massive amount of maintenance on the cortisone cream and other skin creams I have been slathering myself in?
Now, today, I started itching a bit more again.  I'm wondering if this itching is because my skin is dry or if the itch and rash weren't from an ingredient in the pill but still from something else?  I'm wondering if it could be a simple ingredient or something in a hair shampoo.  I was on baby shampoo, and the allergist suggested Neutrogenia shampoo.  I bought both the once a week shampoo and the TGel therapeutic shampoo, which mentioned dermatitis and eczema on the label.  It stinks so I don't use it often.  I will be using it tomorrow, though...just in case the other shampoo is the cause. 

Update on Mysterious Itchy Rash

I'm almost 1 week in my prednisone script trying to get rid of the itchy rash (again).  So far, knock on wood, the redness is fading, the itchiness stopped (the first day) and rash is gone.  My neck, face and upper chest is still a bit red toned, and my boobies have little pimples on them, but I think that might be from all the moisturizer and goop I've been slathering myself in.  *please no weirdos here*


Prednisone, like most steroids I have been prescribed, really affect my digestive system.  Its been a lot of bloating and comfortableness.    I have been trying to ease the issue with prunes, low sodium V8, oranges, and lots of water, along with frosted mini wheats for breakfast.  Neil bought me some natural ginger ale..but trying to stay away from breads has been hard.  Gosh, I love bread.  I love baking, and during a snow storm, what is a girl to do? 


I hope everyone is enjoying the Super Bowl (those who watch it or the commercials!).  I'm not interested, so I'm going to read or do something else.  I'm not in the mood to knit or ramble any further, which is good for you!


Have a great night,
lisa