Author(s): Dr Stanley Leong, Dermatology and Paediatric Registrar, Christchurch (May 2023)
Edited by the DermNet content department
A 50-year-old lady presented with erythroderma. It started with widespread itchy rash, followed by skin desquamation.
On examination, her skin is erythrodermic with small islands of normal skin. Both palms and soles appeared waxy, diffusely thickened and yellowish with multiple linear fissures. Her nails are also thickened.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a group of papulosquamous dermatoses.
There are 5 major types of PRP, plus an HIV-associated type has been described. The distinction is mostly based on age of onset and distribution. Adult classic form (type 1) is the most common form.
Localised PRP can be treated with topical emollients and medium-potency topical corticosteroids.
Extensive or disabling PRP usually requires systemic treatment. Treatment options include:
