The four stages of pityriasis rosea are:

Preliminary stage: You feel ill for a day or two. Herald patch stage: A large round or oval patch that’s red or pink develops on your skin. Rash stage: Many smaller patches or bumps appear. Resolution: Your skin clears up.

Before the rash appears, some people may develop a fever, headache, sore throat, or other flu-like symptoms.

This article includes photos of pityriasis rosea at different stages and on different parts of the body. It details specific characteristics of the rash, as well as potential treatment options.

Within a few days, smaller lesions appear. The smaller lesions are usually on the torso or wherever the herald patch is located. They can also spread to the arms, legs, and face. The lesions can continue to spread for several weeks.

This is another example of a herald patch. A full rash usually develops within a few days or several weeks of its appearance.

On light skin the lesions are salmon-colored and can be hard to see. On dark skin they can be very dark, even black.

Studies have tried to find a viral or bacterial cause of pityriasis rosea. So far, these studies have been inconclusive and the cause is still unknown.

Pityriasis rosea tends to occur most often in the colder months. It affects all ethnicities equally. Only 2.8% to 3.7% of those who have had the condition will have a recurrence.

The rash can be more papular, or bumpy, in certain people, including:

Young childrenPregnant womenPeople with darker skin tones

Infants sometimes get blisters and raised wheals. Oral lesions can happen, too, and in some cases, the rash covers the entire body.

If the rash can’t be diagnosed based on appearance, a potassium hydroxide (KOH) test will be done.

It’s unknown whether pityriasis rosea is contagious, and there is no cure. The condition runs its course and usually clears up after six to eight weeks.

Your healthcare provider may prescribe an oral antihistamine or topical steroids to help with itching. Few studies have looked at treatment options, but there are few theories about things that may shorten the rash’s course. This includes:

Concentrated doses of erythromycin, an antibiotic used to treat acne Sun exposure UVB therapy, where the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light

Pityriasis rosea can be itchy. Your healthcare provider may prescribe oral antihistamines or a topical steroid to help with this symptom. According to some theories, you may also be able to shorten the course of the rash by spending time in the sun.