Doc Visit

Went to the doc today...got a crazy rash all over my chest, back, spreading to my stomach and neck and face. YAY! So he said it was a virus and I just had to wait for it to go away...as far as he knew...no test for it. Could most likely be pityriasis rosea. I'll have to research that one. He also said I was big for the due date...haha...he looked for twin heartbeats. Only found 1 though. Heartbeat is at 160 bpm now.

Here's what the research said...
Definition
Pityriasis rosea is a common type of skin rash seen in young adults.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Pityriasis rosea occurs most commonly in the fall and spring. It is believed to be caused by a virus. Although pityriasis rosea may occur in more than one person in a household at a time, it is not thought to be highly contagious.
Attacks generally last 4 - 8 weeks. Symptoms may disappear by 3 weeks or last as long as 12 weeks. There is generally a single large patch (herald patch) followed several days later by a rash.

Symptoms
Skin lesion or rash
Starts with a single (herald) lesion
Followed several days later by more lesions
May follow cleavage lines or appear in a "Christmas tree" pattern
Oval plaque, papule, or macule
Sharp border
May spread
Centers have wrinkled (cigarette paper) appearance
The lesions appears like a scale that is attached at the edges and loose at the center
Itching of the lesions (mild to severe)
Skin redness or inflammation

Signs and tests
Your health care provider can usually diagnose pityriasis rosea by the way the rash looks. A blood test may be needed to rule out a form of syphilis, which can cause a similar rash. Occasionally, a skin biopsy may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment
If symptoms are mild, no treatment may be needed.
Gentle bathing, mild lubricants or creams, or mild hydrocortisone creams may be used to soothe inflammation. Antihistamines, taken by mouth, may be used to reduce itching.
Moderate sun exposure or ultraviolet light treatment may help make the lesions go away more quickly. However, care must be taken to avoid sunburn.

Expectations (prognosis)
Pityriasis rosea usually goes away within 6 - 12 weeks. Recurrences are unusual.

Calling your health care provider
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of this disorder.

Reviewer Info: Michael S. Lehrer, M.D., Department of Dermatology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.; ADAM Health Illustrated Encyclopedia, 10/16/2006

OH...my best friend from MD is coming out to visit!!! I'm so excited!