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Why do women with pityriasis rosea often have miscarriages?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had pityriasis rosea (PR) for about a week, and I am currently seven weeks pregnant. I had no other symptoms other than the rash after reading a study that found a 62% miscarriage rate when women were infected with PR during the first 15 weeks of gestation. I am obviously terrified. Can you provide me with any reassurance or advice on any testing or treatment that may be required?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Pathave Hari Shivaram

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pathave Hari Shivaram is a Dermatologist and Venereologist skilled in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He is experienced in medical and procedural dermatology, including acne management, eczema, psoriasis, fungal and bacterial skin infections, mole evaluation, and laser treatments. He also provides counseling on skin health, preventive care, and management of chronic dermatological conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to treat your skin problem. Yes, you are right. There are significant chances of miscarriage if pityriasis rosea appears in the first few weeks of gestation. Mostly miscarriage occurs when pityriasis rosea happens after HSV 6 and HSV 7 infection (according to literature).

There are also other causes of pityriasis rosea other than HSV6 and HSV7. Like some drugs (medicines), vaccination, other viruses. So, if possible, provide me photographs of the affected areas of skin, which will help me better diagnose and properly plan. Did you have fever or joints pain a few days back? For viral infection (HSV 6 and 7), you can go for serum IgM, nested or RT PCR, and viral load. Also, pregnancy outcomes depend on the body surface area involvement and constitutional symptoms. The final decision about continuing pregnancy is yours. You also consult with your Obstetrician and Gynaecologist for the same.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Sneha Kannan
Published At April 27, 2020
Reviewed At February 17, 2026

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pathave Hari Shivaram is a Dermatologist and Venereologist skilled in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He is experienced in medical and procedural dermatology, including acne management, eczema, psoriasis, fungal and bacterial skin infections, mole evaluation, and laser treatments. He also provides counseling on skin health, preventive care, and management of chronic dermatological conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Sneha Kannan is a skilled Dental Surgeon with expertise in providing general dental care, including scaling, fillings, and preventive treatments. She does oral surgery procedures such as extractions and minor surgical interventions. She does procedures in restorative dentistry, including crowns, bridges, and dentures. She is an expert in doing endodontic treatments such as root canal therapy. She is well-versed in doing procedures in cosmetic dentistry, including teeth whitening and smile correction. She can provide pediatric dental care for children’s oral health and preventive treatments. She promotes oral hygiene awareness and preventive dental practices.  

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MD

Professional Bio:

Dr. Pathave Hari Shivaram is a Dermatologist and Venereologist skilled in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail disorders, as well as sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He is experienced in medical and procedural dermatology, including acne management, eczema, psoriasis, fungal and bacterial skin infections, mole evaluation, and laser treatments. He also provides counseling on skin health, preventive care, and management of chronic dermatological conditions.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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