This is a single area of pinkish scaling which usually appears on the chest or back, and is sometimes mistaken for the fungal condition ringworm . It never affects the palms and soles, so if you have a rash there you can rule out pityriasis. But although the patches may appear random they do sometimes seem to form a pattern on the back like the branches of a tree. There may be no other symptoms, but in about half the cases there is itching. This can be quite intense, especially if the person gets hot.
Some people also complain of tiredness and aching.
Eventually the rash fades, but this may take many weeks and sometimes it returns for a while. Main aim is to treat the itching Pityriasis gets better on its own without specific treatments. The main focus for treatment is to control the itching, using a combination of creams, lotions and antihistamine tablets. Not only is itching unpleasant but if the person scratches a lot there is a risk of permanent skin changes. Sometimes ultraviolet treatments are used and steroid creams used but these are best used only in extreme cases.