Pityriasis rosea: viral rash seen in Grand Rapids, MI

Pityriasis rosea is a common, usually harmless skin rash believed to be caused by a viral infection. In Grand Rapids and across West Michigan, it’s often seen in older children, teens, and young adults, and may be slightly more common in women.

Because Michigan has distinct seasons, many Grand Rapids residents notice pityriasis rosea more often in autumn and spring, when viral illnesses in general tend to increase.

What is pityriasis rosea?

Pityriasis rosea is a temporary skin condition that usually:

  • Starts with one large scaly spot (the “herald patch”)
  • Is followed by many smaller spots on the chest, back, and upper arms
  • Lasts about 4–8 weeks, sometimes up to 3 months
  • Clears on its own without scarring

Most people in the Grand Rapids area who get pityriasis rosea only have it once in their lifetime.

Symptoms of pityriasis rosea

The herald patch

The first sign is usually a single, larger spot called the herald patch:

  • One round or oval patch
  • Scaly surface
  • Color can range from pink or red to tan or light brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Often appears on the chest, back, or abdomen

Within about a week, more spots begin to appear.

The full rash

Common features of the rash include:

  • Small oval patches that spread from the herald patch
  • Colors from red to tan or brown
  • Skin may look crinkly or wrinkled in the center
  • Patches often follow the lines of the ribs, creating a “Christmas tree” pattern on the back
  • Usually affects:
    • Chest and upper back
    • Upper arms
    • Sometimes upper thighs
    • Occasionally the neck and lower face

Itching and discomfort

  • The rash may be itchy, mildly to severely
  • Itching can be worse in dry winter air, which is common in Grand Rapids homes when the heat is on
  • Hot showers and fragranced soaps can make irritation worse

Is pityriasis rosea contagious?

  • Pityriasis rosea is thought to be caused by a virus, likely related to the herpes virus family (not the same as cold sores or genital herpes).
  • It does not appear to be highly contagious.
  • Most people in the same household in Grand Rapids do not catch it, even with close contact.
  • Practicing good hygiene (not sharing towels, regular handwashing) is always a good idea, but special isolation is usually not necessary.

Who gets pityriasis rosea?

In Grand Rapids and throughout Michigan, pityriasis rosea is most common in:

  • Older children and teenagers
  • Young adults, often between ages 10–35
  • Slightly more common in women

Recurrences are rare. Once you’ve had pityriasis rosea, your chance of getting it again is only about 2%.

How pityriasis rosea is diagnosed in Grand Rapids

Because this rash can look like other skin conditions, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis.

A healthcare provider in Grand Rapids (such as at Corewell Health / Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, or Mercy Health) will usually:

  • Ask about your symptoms and timing
  • Examine the pattern and appearance of the rash
  • Consider similar conditions, such as:
    • Tinea (ringworm) – a fungal infection
    • Psoriasis
    • Less common illnesses, including syphilis and certain drug reactions

If the diagnosis is unclear, they may:

  • Take a small skin biopsy (a tiny skin sample) for lab analysis
  • Order blood tests to rule out other conditions

Treatment for pityriasis rosea in Grand Rapids, MI

There is no specific treatment that makes pityriasis rosea go away faster. The focus is on relieving symptoms, especially itching and dryness, which can be worse in Michigan’s dry, cold winters.

Self-care at home

  • Avoid harsh soaps
    • Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers
    • Skip deodorant soaps and strong body washes
  • Gentle bathing
    • Bathe or shower in lukewarm (not hot) water
    • Consider adding bath oil or using a gentle moisturizing body wash
  • Moisturize often
    • Apply mild, fragrance-free moisturizing creams or ointments generously, especially after bathing
    • This is especially important during Grand Rapids’ heating season, when indoor air is very dry

Medications for itching

Your Grand Rapids provider may recommend:

  • Topical steroid creams (such as low- to mid-strength corticosteroids) to:
    • Reduce redness
    • Ease itching
  • Oral antihistamines (over-the-counter or prescription) to:
    • Help with more severe itching
    • Improve sleep if itching is worse at night

Always follow your provider’s instructions and do not start steroid creams without medical advice, especially on the face or sensitive areas.

Light and sun exposure

Some cases of pityriasis rosea improve with ultraviolet (UV) light:

  • Mild, controlled sun exposure may help, but:
    • Avoid sunburn
    • Limit time in midday sun
    • In West Michigan, early morning or late afternoon sun is generally safer
  • Phototherapy (UVB light):
    • May be offered by dermatologists in Grand Rapids
    • Uses controlled doses of UVB light in a medical setting
    • Can be helpful in stubborn or very itchy cases

Never use tanning beds as a treatment; they increase the risk of skin cancer and premature aging.

Will pityriasis rosea leave scars or dark spots?

  • The rash itself typically does not leave scars.
  • In people with darker skin tones (common in parts of Grand Rapids’ diverse population), it can leave temporary:
    • Dark spots (hyperpigmentation) or
    • Light spots (hypopigmentation)
  • These color changes usually fade over time, but it can take several weeks to months.

Protecting the skin from excess sun exposure and using gentle skincare products can help the skin return to its normal color more smoothly.

When to see a doctor in Grand Rapids

Contact a healthcare provider in Grand Rapids if:

  • You are unsure if the rash is pityriasis rosea
  • The rash is very itchy or painful
  • You have fever, feeling very unwell, or other symptoms
  • The rash appears on your face, genitals, or mouth
  • You are pregnant and develop a new rash
  • The rash lasts longer than 3 months

Local options include:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
  • A dermatologist (skin specialist)
  • Urgent care centers affiliated with:
    • Spectrum Health / Corewell Health
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health

For general public health questions, the Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health resources can provide guidance and referrals.

Key points about pityriasis rosea in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Pityriasis rosea is a viral rash that is usually mild and self-limited.
  • It is more common in autumn and spring, and in teens and young adults, especially women.
  • The rash typically starts with a herald patch, followed by smaller oval patches on the upper body that may follow the rib lines.
  • It is not highly contagious and usually occurs only once in a lifetime.
  • There is no cure to speed recovery, but:
    • Steroid creams, antihistamines, moisturizers, and sometimes UVB phototherapy can help manage symptoms.
  • Most people in Grand Rapids recover fully in 1–2 months, without scarring.

If you live in the Grand Rapids area and think you may have pityriasis rosea, schedule an appointment with your local primary care provider or dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.