Pityriasis rosea is a self-limiting rash, which resolves in about 6-10 weeks. It is characterised by an initial large "herald patch" followed by smaller patches resembling a christmas tree. Before the herald patch appears, some people have headache, fatigue, fever or sore throat.
A few days to a few weeks after the herald patch appears, you may notice smaller bumps or scaly spots across your face, back, chest or abdomen that look like a pine. These patches are smaller than the herald patch - they range from 1 to 2 cm - and are often called "daughter" patches. They develop in a pattern that resembles sagging Christmas tree branches.
In approximately 50% of people with pityriasis rosea, the patches itch. Pityriasis rosea is a common self. A week or two after the herald patch appears, it is joined by "daughter patches" - smaller, scaly rashes that form on your chest or back, often in the shape of a Christmas tree.
Christmas tree rash, or pityriasis rosea, is an oval-shaped skin patch that can appear on different parts of your body. Here's how to identify it and what to do if you have it. Herald patch grows For a few days to 2 weeks, the herald patch may be the only sign of pityriasis rosea on your skin.
During this time, the patch grows, often to about an inch in diameter (A), but some can reach 4 inches in diameter. While rare, some people develop 2 or more herald patches (B). Christmas tree rash is a relatively common skin condition.
The medical name for it is pityriasis rosea. It typically starts with one large oval or oblong patch, called a herald patch or mother patch. This patch can be very large, up to four inches across, on the chest, back or stomach.
It is usually pink or salmon-colored and may appear scaly. After about two weeks, smaller patches. Secondary Rash Development and the "Christmas Tree" Pattern Following the appearance of the herald patch, a secondary rash develops, consisting of many small, pink or red, flaky, oval or round spots.
These spots follow the skin's natural cleavage lines, creating a characteristic "Christmas tree" distribution on the upper chest and back. This "herald patch" is usually located on the trunk, neck, or upper arms. The herald patch is followed 1-3 weeks later by the development of a widespread rash of pityriasis rosea, with smaller (0.5-2 cm) oval patches of pink-to-red, scaly skin on the trunk and upper arms.
The second rash may form a "Christmas tree" pattern on the back.