Living With Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is the name of a group of rare skin disorders. Reddish-orange, scaly patches are characteristic of the condition. Sometimes it is misdiagnosed as psoriasis. An accurate diagnosis requires a skin biopsy.

Features

• Scaly patches may appear on any part of the body, but are typically seen on the knees, elbows, palms of the hand and soles of the feet. In adults, PRP typically starts as a reddish rash around the head, neck and upper body. The palms and soles thicken and crack, making walking difficult and painful.

Causes

• The cause is unknown but is thought to be partially hereditary. Males and females are equally affected and it is seen across all ethnicities. The condition most frequently appears in adults. According to DermNet, the prognosis is good and 80 percent of sufferers experience spontaneous remission within three years. The condition in children tends to last longer than in adults.

Treatments

• Topical emollients are used to relieve skin dryness and cracking. Acitretin, a vitamin A derivative used for psoriasis, is sometimes prescribed, as is isotretinoin, an acne treatment. Dermatologists state that no currently available treatment guarantees a cure.