Pityriasis Lichenoides - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Pityriasis lichenoides is a rare cutaneous disorder. It ia chronic form and also known as pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). Pityriasis lichenoides encompasses a spectrum of clinical presentations ranging from acute papular lesions. Lesions may self-involute and resolve completely over weeks, or new lesions occasionally may appear in crops, waxing and waning spontaneously for months to years. thereafter. Historically, the term Mucha-Habermann disease has referred only to PLEVA, the term applies broadly to the entire spectrum of disease including PLC. A rare febrile ulceronecrotic variant has been reported, which is a severe form of PLEVA with high fever and marked constitutional symptoms. The majority of cases present in adolescence or early adulthood. PLEVA leading to the theory that the disorder represents a relatively benign form of lymphoproliferative disease. Fibrin is not present in the walls of vessels, and thrombi are not found in the lumen.

Some children are also affected with a form of the disease which frequently resolves spontaneously. Symptoms that occur in the childhood form suggest that it may follow a virus infection. It is more common in males than females. Neither type of pityriasis lichenoides is infectious Mucha-Habermann disease is not a lymphoproliferative disorder. CD30(Ki-1) cells, which are normally associated with large cell lymphoma, have been identified in lesions of patients with PLC and A cell-mediated mechanism has been proposed based on a T-lymphocytic infiltrate with a cytotoxic/suppressor phenotype, diminished epidermal Langerhans cells, and a reduction of the CD4/CD8 ratio.

Causes of Pityriasis Lichenoides

Common causes of Pityriasis Lichenoides

• Mucha-Habermann disease.
• Pityriasis rosea.
• Acute lichen planus.
• Guttate psoriasis.
• Erythema multiforme.
• Toxoplasma gondii titers.

Symptoms of Pityriasis Lichenoides

Common Symptoms of Pityriasis Lichenoides

• Fever.
• Lethargy.
• Myalgia.
• Central necrosis.
• Haemorrhagic crusts.
• Itching.
• Burning of affected areas
• Lesions.
• Scarring.

Treatment of Pityriasis Lichenoides

Common Treatment of Pityriasis Lichenoides

• Corticosteroid creams and ointments applied to the skin often control the rash and itching.
• Antihistamines such as Benadryl by mouth will help alleviate the itching.
• Sometimes ultraviolet light treatment will improve pityriasis lichenoides.
• Sunburn should be avoided.
• Oral antibiotics used are erythromycin and tetracycline . These antibiotics have been used to treat both PLC and PLEVA.
• Phototherapy treatment with UVB or PUVA has been used with varying success both in patients with PLEVA and in those with PLC.

Home | Blog | Contact Us
Copyright © TheSkinDisorders.com All Rights Reserved.