how do I know when pityriasis rosea is healing?

Diagnosed with this and the only thing that helped was tanning bed, after 3 visits it was almost gone. This should be an RX for this condition.

My PR started 2 month ago with small red and itchy spots on my chest and back.
In the last two weeks I used isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol applied on the spots after bath and let it dry for a few seconds . I used a lot of alcohol. After that I put bio oil on the same areas. I cannot see the spots anymore. I am sure new ones will appear, but the ones I had for two months are gone.

I think it is interesting that in the comments several people mentioned the possibility of PR being a release of toxins after doing a cleanse....I have been drinking apple cider vinegar in the mornings to see if it would lower my cholesterol. I also had the thought that maybe toxins were leaving my body in the form of this Pityriasis rosea rash. My herald patch appeared after my first bottle of Bragg's Apple Cider Vinegar.

I thought I had a ringworm on my breast - my hearald patch appeared after I had gotten wet at work and had to stay in wet clothes... so I was treating with antifungal cream, spray, and tea tree oil. I thought it was controlled but then after the 2nd week - all of a sudden it had spread. Went to the doctor and she told me it was Pityriasis rosea after the first glance. (She did look under her special light thing) Told me to use benedryl and calamine lotion...and suggested light therapy. This is week 6 and I really cant tell if getting better. All I can say is thank goodness for calamine. I've been afraid I would scare the neighbors if I exposed my chest - but I am ready to try!! The itching seems to be worse so maybe it is healing now?????

It will kinda look like sunburn when its healing. Your body will be fully covered before its ready to leave. It lasted 3months for me. Get lots of sun. Sun helped a lot.

Al of these comments have been incredibly helpful and reassuring. I haven't been formally diagnosed with PR, but my PCP diagnosed the rash as a 'viral rash' when the bumps first started forming. After doing some research on my own, and after finding the herald patch on my leg (I thought it was an infected bug bites b/c I have bad reactions to bug bites usually) I realized that what I have is PR. Also, I had flu-like symptoms in the week leading up to my herald patch forming (stomach issues, tonsil inflammation, increased # of tonsiliths, aches, fever).

I have been trying to keep a positive attitude to keep stress levels down and promote healing, but it's difficult b/c my wedding is in 8 weeks. The PR wasn't going to be an issue with my wedding dress until I woke up yesterday and noticed it has spread to my upper back. On a good note- the original patches have turned white and are flaking. I have read that this means it is beginning to heal. Yay!

These are the things I have been doing-- I went tanning twice. The bumps were very inflamed afterwards b/c I think that is because the tanning bed was hot. A day or two after each tanning session I noticed that the rash did not spread as quickly and seemed to be drying out. I put coconut oil on my skin before bed and after showers, shower with only lukewarm water, and have been limiting my use of soap (washing only necessary places). I have increased my Vitamin D, biotin and fish oil intake.

I'm very interested in the origin of PR. I wonder if it is related to chicken pox or shingles. I never had chicken pox, but have chicken pox immunity from getting shingles as an infant (I didn't get chicken pox b/c I had my mom's immunity). I tend to have many skin issues including acne, allergic reactions to big bites, chronic dry skin, keratosis pilaris, tendency for hyper-pigmentation, yadda yadda yadda. Anyone have similarities to this?

You should sunbathe and wash your body with dandruff shampoo to help the lesions heal quicker. If you're still itchy, then you should use normal ointments or take oatmeal baths. I know some of this sounds disgusting but trust me, it works. But if you already in the last stage of PR, where all the spots have stopped coming and most have peeled, then you should just leave the healing up to time. At most, PR would take up to 8 months or a year. Also, PR will worsen if it's exposed to too much heat. Since you also have eczema, it's good to moisturize frequently/daily.

Just came back from my naturopath. She instantly diagnosed me with PR after seeing the Harold's patch on my back. I'm treating it like a virus. Oregano oil, garlic, probiotics, vitamin c & E, tons of water and baking soda scrubs that helps new skin grow by exfoliation. Stay cool and dry. Tea tree oil spray helps prevents bacteria growth too.

I am 2.5 weeks in and seem to be reaching the peeling stage, hopefully the end. I have been washing with an aveeno skin relief body wash, laid out in the sun topless twice , and got these homeopathic sulfate "pellets" from whole foods that supposedly help heal skin conditions. I think the sun helped the most. At first it seems to irritate the bumps but then they flatten and start peeling. I've also been focusing on eating really healthy to support my immune system (lots of spinach) and drinking water. I'm wondering if I should apply anything now so that the spots don't scar or if there's any specific treatment I should do to for this stage?