Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris - Symptoms and Treatment

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is the name given to a group of rare skin disorders that present with reddish-orange coloured scaling patches with well defined borders. It is usually diagnosed when a dermatologist, suspecting the condition, does a biopsy and specifically asks it to be checked for PRP. PRP is not really a single condition, but rather a group of unusual eruptions that cause red scaly patches containing dry plugged pores. It may cover the entire body, or just the elbows and knees. PRP mostly affects adults over 40, but some children are also affected. Sometimes PRP is suspected only after the usual creams, pills and even ultraviolet light treatments used for skin conditions have no effect. The palms and soles are usually involved and become diffusely thickened and yellowish. Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare condition that is often initially mistaken for another skin disorder, usually psoriasis. Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare erythematosquamous cutaneous eruption with characteristic follicular papules that is associated with abnormal metabolism of vitamin A. Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a mildly itchy chronic skin disorder that is possibly caused by an inherited metabolic defect. Pityriasis rubra pilaris is an erythematosquamous eruption characterized by the association of palmoplantar keratoderma, follicular plugging and erythematous perifollicular papules which may progress to plaques or erythroderma. Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is the name given to a group of rare skin disorders that present with reddish-orange coloured scaling patches with well defined borders. Initially, the disorder is characterized by elevated spots (papules) on the skin.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is an erythematosquamous eruption characterized by eruption of the hair follicles, which become firm, red, surmounted with plugs, and often form scaly patches. The papules are the most important diagnostic feature, being more or less acuminate, reddish brown, about pinhead size, and topped by a central plug. The 2 most common forms of the disease are juvenile classic, characterized by autosomal dominant inheritance and childhood onset, and adult classic, characterized by no apparent inheritance and adult onset. It has a sudden onset and a varied clinical progression and a varied rate of improvement. Pityriasis lichenoides is a rare skin disorder that appears as a red or brown rash at first and of unknown aetiology divided into an acute and a chronic form. It displays milder skin changes than the acute form. It is possible that once the rash flattens out a brown mark will be left on the individual's skin. Pityriasis Lichenoides can affect all individuals equally. The disease can run over weeks, months, or even years,in which lesions appearing and disappearing continually. The chronic form shows elevated, reddened, dome-shaped papules in a symmetrical distribution, which enlarge, flatten, and show a fine scale on their surface. he disease affects persons of all ages, races, and nationalities. The inherited form starts early in childhood and is persistent throughout life, whereas the acquired type may occur at any age. The disease affects persons of all ages, races, and nationalities. The disease is rare but no exact incidence has been reported.

Causes of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Common Causes of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris :

• Weather condition.
• Fungal infection may also be a cause of the disease.
• Sometimes minor burns rashes and infections may trigger pityriasis rubra pilaris.
• Highly contagious.
• Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris is generally sporadic, but in some forms it may be partially inherited.
• Chances of Recurrences are generally rare.

Symptoms of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Some Common Symptoms of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris :

• Itching.
• Pink swellings.
• Fever.
• Scaling lesions.
• Herald patch.
• Seborrhea of the scalp.
• Skin redness.
• Lesions of the face.

Treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Some Common Treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris :

• Accutane or Soriatane pills are the best treatment .
• Topical medications such as emollients may be used to get relive from dryness and cracking.
• Corticosteroids creams and ointments can be used to control the skin rash,but precaution should be taken if the skin is sensitive to these areas.
• Steroid creams and ointments soothe but probably useful in removing rash from the skin.
• Potent topical steroids may have a use if only a few lesions are present
• Methotrexate , a strong drug that suppresses the immune system may help pityriasis rubra pilaris.
• Ultraviolet B in erythema exposures should be used to expedite the involution of lesions after the acute inflammatory stage has passed.
• Treated with a derivative of vitamin A known as acitretin also useful in Pityriasis rubra pilaris but the treatment has some severe side effects.

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