Pityriasis lichenoides chronica

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica is an uncommon, idiopathic, acquired dermatosis, characterized by evolving groups of erythematous, scaly papules that may persist for months. [1]: 456 [2]: 737 

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
Other namesChronic guttate parapsoriasis, Chronic pityriasis lichenoides, Dermatitis psoriasiformis nodularis, Parapsoriasis chronica, Parapsoriasis lichenoides chronica
SpecialtyDermatology 
Usual onsetIt appears in crops. Erythematous scaly papules mixed with hyper or hypopigmented macules over trunk, limbs are seen. removal of scale reveals shiny brown surface underneath.
Durationcan be chronic. lasting over weeks to months.
CausesNot known. previous bacterial or viral infection can be suspected.
Diagnostic methodClinical and morphological evaluation can be difficult. Skin biopsy from a scaly papule can be diagnostic.

Symptoms and signs

Although other forms of the disease occur at younger ages, some individuals start having long term symptoms at thirty years of age. This disease also affects adolescents and young adults. This also affects the immune system which therefore results in rashes. The symptoms rarely affect the face or scalp, but occurs at other sites of the body. The duration may last for months or even several years. For instance, new crops of lesions appear every few weeks.[3]

Causes

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica is probably caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to infectious agents such as the Epstein–Barr virus. Other infectious agents include the adenovirus and Parvovirus B19.[4]

Treatment

There is no standard treatment for pityriasis lichenoides chronica. Treatments may include ultraviolet phototherapy, topical steroids, sun exposure, oral antibiotics, corticosteroid creams and ointments to treat rash and itching.[3][5] One study identified the enzyme bromelain as an effective therapeutic option for pityriasis lichenoides chronica.[6]

See also

References
  1. Freedberg, et al. (2003). Fitzpatrick's Dermatology in General Medicine. (6th ed.). McGraw-Hill. ISBN 0-07-138076-0.
  2. James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0.
  3. "Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica Treatment Tips". Archived from the original on 2010-11-15.
  4. Jeffrey S Henning DO (2004). "Pityriasis lichenoides chronica". Dermatology Online Journal. 10 (3). doi:10.5070/D36n761359.
  5. Henning, Jeffrey S. (2004). "Pityriasis lichenoides chronica [eScholarship]". Dermatology Online Journal. 10 (3). doi:10.5070/D36N761359.
  6. "Role of bromelain in the treatment of patients with pityriasis lichenoides chronica".
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