The first time I visited my GP (General Practioner), she informed me that the duration of Pityriasis Rosea varies from 6-8 weeks, or longer, and she added there's no cure for it. At first she prescribed some anti-allergy pills. These pills didn't work at all. I went back to the doctor and she prescribed a steroid cream. However whatever she prescribed were not effective.
The condition was only getting worst. My whole body (from neck down) was covered with herald patches. my skin was severely itching and inflamed. It was so inflamed that I couldn't even lean back!!. According to my mum and my sister, my back was the worst affected area. They never told me because they didn't want me to feel worse than I already felt.
After two weeks of sleepless nights, tears and irritation, I finally decided to carry out my own research online and seek advice from my local herbalist. I spent so much money buying different products. The picture below consists of some of the products that I attempted to use. I think the only product missing is the customised Aloe Vera and mint cream (which I never used), multivitamin and coconut oil.
Nevertheless, the following items were the most effective out of the bunch:
From left to right: Cocoa butter in the yellow tub. This product kept my skin moisturised when my rashes were drying. However it wasn't long lasting, so I decided to switch to the pure African Shea butter, which is the creamy-looking solid on top of the yellow tub. I'm still using this product. It darkens my skin, but that's the least of my worries. I apply the cream twice a day (morning and evening). I buy them from African shops, in London. I think it can also be found in Asian-owned hair and beauty stores (very cheap).
Eurax lotion was so useful. Its purpose is to stop itchiness for up to 8 hours. However since my itchiness was severe, it only worked for up to 4/5hours. But I was still grateful, as I was able to have at least 4 hours sleep.
The powder in front of the Eurax Lotion is called Neem Powder. It was recommended to me by my local herbalist. It's an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. I believe this was the most effective purchase out of the bunch. It sped up the process of the condition. My rashes and patches were first making gradual appearances until I started drinking Neem tea. A week later, they started to dry. The powder's very bitter but worth it.
Head n shoulders is God's answer to pityriasis Rosea. I used this shampoo as a shower gel in the morning and evening. I used to apply it on my skin and let it settle for at about 7 minutes then rinse it out. Head&shoulders and Neem powder worked together perfectly. However I stopped using the shampoo when my rashes dried. My skin also became scaly and slightly irritating. I needed to switch to a moisturising shower gel. That's why I purchased the last product in the picture- All in One Moisturising shower gel by original source.
I've also been taking multi vitamin and trying to eat healthy in order to improve my immune system.
Overall, this condition has lasted 2 months. My scars are gradually disappearing. My prayers also worked!! (I thank you Lord).
What's scary about this condition is that since no one's aware of its cause or how it enters the body, it's unpredictable and cannot be prevented.
I hope this post helps a soul. Patience is virtue.
