Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris - Symptoms & Treatment

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare and chronic skin disorder. The cause of pityriasis rubra pilaris is unknown. It is usually sporadic but in some forms it may be partially inherited. It may occur in any race, and males and females are equally affected. It 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. Pityriasis rubra pilaris most often starts as a patchy rash on the scalp, face or chest. Over a period as short a several weeks it extends downward, and often covers much of the body. It spares areas of old scars and injuries, and leaves small islands of entirely unaffected skin. The disease affects persons of all ages, races, and nationalities. Both are affected equally. Many support group members report a varied clinical progression of the disease. The disease may affect entire body or just restrict to some parts such as the elbows and knees, palms and soles. The disease often has a sudden onset.

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is found to be having association with abnormal metabolism of vitamin A. It could take as long as one to three years for an individual to fully recover from this skin disorder. The inherited form starts early in childhood and is persistent throughout life, whereas the acquired type may occur at any age. The acquired form usually shows a gradual remission but some patients continue to have trouble for many years. The disease is rare but no exact incidence has been reported. Rough, dry plugs can be felt within the patches and are due to plugged hair follicles, often most obvious on the backs of the fingers. Patients may also complain of itching in the early stages of the disease. The palms and soles become thickened and yellow coloured. Cracks may develop which can be painful and make walking and using the hands difficult. The best treatment is Accutane or Soriatane pills. These are closely related "retinoid" medications. A more potent and more effective treatment is methotrexate tablets, but as these can have dangerous side effects they are saved for people who don't improve with the retinoids.

Causes of Pityriasis rubra pilaris

Common causes and risk factor's of Pityriasis rubra pilaris:

• The exect cause is unknown.
• Minor burns rashes and infections.
• Fungal infection.
• Chances of recurrences.

Symptoms of Pityriasis rubra pilaris

Some sign and symptoms related to Pityriasis rubra pilaris are as follows:

• Swelling of the legs, feet and other parts of the body.
• A patchy rash on the scalp, face or chest.
• Hair los.
• Rough, dry plugs can be felt within the rash.
• Splitting of thick skin on the palms and soles.
• The rash can be itchy.

Treatment of Pityriasis rubra pilaris

Common treatment of Pityriasis rubra pilaris:

• Treated with a derivative of vitamin A known as acitretin also useful in Pityriasis rubra pilaris but the treatment has some severe side effects.
• Acitretin or isotretinoin may also be useful if the case is severe.
• Methotrexate a strong drug used for suppressing the immune system may be used as a treatment for pityriasis rubra pilaris
• Steroid creams and ointments soothe but probably useful in removing rash from the skin.
• Topical medications such as emollients are may be used to relieve dryness and cracking of the skin.