As pityriasis rosea usually resolves by itself by twelve weeks, most treatments are usually only concerned with relieving the symptoms of itchiness (if you have them).

There are three main treatments:

• emollients – skin creams that are designed to moisturise and sooth the skin
• topical corticosteroids – creams or ointments that contain steroid medication
• antihistamines – a type of medication that's widely used to treat allergy-related symptoms, such as itchiness

These are outlined in more detail below.

Emollients

Emollients are creams, ointments and lotions that are designed to help the skin retain moisture in order to relieve itchiness.

Some emollients are designed to act as a soap substitute and are usually recommended because normal soap can irritate the rash. These types of emollients are available over the counter from most pharmacists.

You can use the emollient as often as is required to relieve itching. Apply the emollient gently in the direction of the hair growth and avoid vigorously rubbing the skin.

Topical corticosteroids

You should visit your GP if emollients fail to control the symptoms of itchiness. You may need additional treatments with topical corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are a synthetic (man-made) version of hormones produced by the adrenal gland. Hormones are powerful chemicals that have a wide range of effects on the functions of the body.

The main aim of topical corticosteroids is to reduce inflammation (redness of the skin) and to help relieve the symptoms of itching. It's usually recommended that you apply topical corticosteroid cream or ointment lightly to affected areas of skin once or twice a day - depending on the advice of your GP.

You'll only be prescribed a medium dosage of topical corticosteroid, so you shouldn't have any significant side effects other than a slight burning or stinging sensation when you first apply the cream. This side effect is usually temporary and should pass once your body gets used to the medication.

Read more about topical corticosteroids.

Antihistamines

If you're having trouble sleeping due to itching, your GP may prescribe a sedating antihistamine. Hydroxyzine or chlorphenamine are two widely used sedating antihistamines.

Sedating antihistamines were ‘first generation’ antihistamines originally designed to treat allergic conditions such as hay fever. But it was subsequently found that they caused drowsiness in many people. This is a useful side effect in some cases because the drowsiness will help you sleep better.

You usually need to take the medication just before you go to bed. Many people still feel quite drowsy when they wake up the following morning. If this is the case, avoid driving or using tools or machinery.

Read more about antihistamines.

UV-B light therapy

If your symptoms fail to respond to the treatments outlined above, you may be referred for UV-B light therapy. This involves controlled exposing your skin to ultraviolet light for a few minutes at regular intervals under the guidance of a specialist. (This is not the same as using a sunbed.)

Some people find that the careful exposure of their skin to natural sunlight can also be useful.

UV-B light therapy can be useful to help relieve a severe itch but it increase the risk of you developing skin cancer at a later date.

Other treatments

A number of other treatments have been suggested for pityriasis rosea, but their use is controversial. They include:

• acyclovir – an antiviral medication that was originally designed to treat herpes infections
• erythromycin – an antibiotic that's designed to treat bacterial infections

If you're offered these treatments, be aware that there's only limited evidence that they're effective. In addition, acyclovir appears to be beneficial only if it's taken during the first week of the condition.