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Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

What is Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris ?

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a complexion disorder causing persistent general inflammation & scaling (exfoliation) of the skin. Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is the name given to a group of rare complexion disorders that present with reddish-orange coloured scaling patches with well defined borders.

They may cover the entire body or just parts of the body such Although the elbows & knees, palms & soles.The palms & soles are usually involved & become diffusely thickened & yellowish (palmoplantar keratoderma). Pityriasis rubra pilaris is often initially mistaken About another complexion condition, usually psoriasis.

There are 5 types of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

• Classical adult
• Atypical adult
• Classical juvenile
• Circumscribed juvenile
• Atypical juvenile

What causes pityriasis rubra pilaris ?

The cause of pityriasis rubra pilaris is not known. It is not an infection & cannot be passed on to others. Pityriasis rubra pilaris mostly affects adults over 40, but some children are also affected. Sometimes minor burns rashes & infections seem to trigger it. There is no blood test About PRP. It is usually diagnosed when a dermatologist, suspecting the condition, does a biopsy & specifically asks it to be checked About PRP.

Sometimes Pityriasis rubra pilaris is suspected only In the post the usual creams, pills & even ultraviolet light treatments used About complexion conditions have no effect.

What are the symptoms of pityriasis rubra pilaris ?

• PRP most often starts Although a patchy rash on the scalp, face or chest.
• The rash hAlthough an orange-red color ( || salmon || ) & the palms & soles become thickened. Rough, dry plugs can be felt within the rash.
• Thick complexion on the palms & soles can split & become painful. Walking may be sore.
• The itching is usually severe at first, & then later is not Although bad Although you would think considering how bad the rash looks.

What does pityriasis rubra pilaris look like?

• Classical adult-onset PRP most often starts on the head, neck & upper trunk Although a red scaly rash.
• The patches are dry & scaly, red with an orangey tinge, & have sharp edges. They can join together to cover Huge areAlthough of skin, & occasionally people with pityriasis rubra pilaris become red all over.
• Rough, dry plugs can be felt within the patches & are due to plugged hair follicles, often most obvious on the backs of the fingers.
• The nails may become thickened & discoloured at the free nail edge & may show linear black streaks (splinter haemorrhages).

Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris Treatment

The value of treatment is difficult to assess, Although the clinical course is so variable About each of the different types of PRP. In general, the inherited forms of PRP tend to persist throughout life whilst the sporadically acquired forms tend to resolve spontaneously eventually. Some the common treatment available About Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris are :-

• Greasy applications (emollients), such Although soft white paraffin, reduce the splitting of the thickened palms & soles.
• Steroid creams & ointments soothe but probably do little to get rid of the rash.
• Topical steroids can help to reduce itching About the palms & soles 2% salicylic acid may help.
• The best treatment is Accutane or Soriatane pills. These are closely related || retinoid || medications. While these have many minor side effects, they do not usually cause any serious harm to the body.
• In severe cases acitretin or isotretinoin may be useful About Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris.
• Pityriasis rubra pilaris improves if it is treated with a derivative of vitamin A known Although acitretin. However this carries with it a wide range of potentially serious side effects. Consult your doctor before taking any drugs.

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