It is very important for the doctor but for the patient too to know the stages of pityriasis rosea. It is well known that the disease has many phases, half of them not very alarming, so that the diagnosis may be delayed if we don't know the preliminary stages.
First, you may experience on the surface of your skin some bumps which resemble the bites made by bugs. On the other hand, it may be confusing that these areas may provoke itches like those triggered by bug bites. The problem is that most patients do not consult a doctor, considering that they have been bitten.
The second pityriasis rosea stage is known as "mother spot". It is a red spot which can be visible after one or two weeks since the first stage and it is well delimited by a crust. The skin looks irritated, scaled and this is why some patients may think it is some usual eczema that can be treated with creams or lotions based on cortisone. From this stage, the dermatologist is able to clearly diagnose the disease.
The third stage of this ailment is characterized by spots on a large surface of your body. First, there will be appearing on the torso, then maybe arms and legs. There are very few chances for the spots to appear on the face or palms. This is the phase where most of the patients go to a consult.
