how do I know when pityriasis rosea is healing?

I was diagnosed with PR about a week ago. I noticed this spot on my stomach about 2 and half weeks ago thinking it was a mosquito bite. Then it grew and was itchy. I also had one under my left breast. I thought it was ringworm. Went to doctor, an they dx me with PR. My rash consist of one big patch that is almost gone now, and the rasy rash bumps start off small and also have oval ones. They do not itch at all but look like little bumps then form into ovals. Does this sound like PR? This rash has been spreading but some spots have cleared and were flaky and are brown. Does anyone know what to do? I am setting an appointment with a dermatologist. Any suggestions will help. And does tanning work?

I am 20 years old & suffering from PR. I am in my first wedding as a bridesmaid next week :( Is there anything that I shouldn't eat? Would anything I eat irritate the skin rash? Should I take multi-vitamins? All my mother and I can do is pray that this goes away. I'm at week 3 almost 4 of this. :(

Derm diagnosed me just this week. ironically, i already was on vacation, so i've been able to thoroughly follow prescribed regimen of daily lukewarm oatmeal baths, topical steroid foam, calomine, antihistamines, 30-min sun therapy, staying cool & oatmeal-based lotion (she recommended aveeno everything). already symptoms seem to be fading...? Herald patches have completely disappeared; my back now has the full christmas tree formation but all spots are - ick - fading, scaling & peeling. and it's just been a few weeks.

so, in response to original question, is there any site with images of the healing stages? it seems everyone comments that it will disappear after appx 6 weeks (at the earliest); however, i haven't been able to find any site that shows what these healing stages are. i understand that each case is unique - but there must be some imagery that shows an end in sight (and not just the initial, identifying marks). if not, someone should... because this is a wretched experience. and, just because it isn't life-threatening or contagious doesn't mean that it should be ignored by the dermatological field. one feels vain freaking out over a constellation of spots on their chest & back but it's an incredibly isolating experience that toys with one's self-esteem... so knowing if it's time to give a cautious sigh of relief would be quite helpful.

Hello to all.. I was diagnosed with PR back in March I was one of the first comments. I had it on my hands feet arms legs. It was the worse and I thought I would never get rid of it. it took 4months for it all to completley fade and I think im still in the process of healing but it truly has gotten so much better. I thought it would never go away I had got 2 biopsys done because I was so depressed because I had it longer than I expected. but it does get better its all about time which I didnt want to listen to.. I took prednisone off and on the duration of the rash ( which was 4 months) but it came right back after it was out of my system. but yes it does take it completely away but after a week it would reappear. I pray for your daughters its really hard to go through I see a red spot now and im freaking out now.. but I dont think thats what it is.. but please believe it does get better and she wont know it was even there I had it so bad I just knew it was going to leave scars but it just left a little hyperpigmentaion that is very faint. I pray for everyone and it will get better.

My daughter was diagnosed with PR by her pediatrician and a dermatologist. It is a horrible rash and I can't believe that the "standard" treatment is to just wait it out. We feel very lucky that when we took her to the dermatologist 3 days ago, he started her on 12 days of prednisone. I am thrilled to say that after the 2nd day of taking it, the rash was so much better. She had the herald spot about 3 weeks, and the rash about 2 weeks, when we went to see the dermatologist. Another dermatologist and her pediatrician both said there wasn't a treatment, but the prednisone sure seems to be working after only a few days. I would strongly urge you to try to find a doctor who will let you try that as a treatment. Good luck

Thank you again i can't believe how helpful finding this website has been!!
Okay all the above noted in reference to the sun and heat but what about being allowed to go swimming whether it be a pool or the sea? Would either of those be an unwise idea or would they possibly help too it any way? I can't imagine the chlorine would help with the itching, but im 17 and love to swim. any recomendations? I can't thank everyone enough for their help.