Pityriasis rosea might start with a herald patch, which disappears. Soon after, a spreading rash develops in a branchlike pattern.

Pityriasis rosea is a fine, itchy, scaly or bumpy rash that usually appears first as a single patch (A) anywhere on the body. This rash (herald patch) goes away. Then several days to a few weeks later, another rash breaks out over the face, back or chest in a pattern that resembles drooping branches of a pine tree (B).