* This is the Professional Version. *
Pityriasis Lichenoides
Patient Education
- Psoriasis and Scaling Diseases
- Psoriasis
- Lichen Planus
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Parapsoriasis
- Pityriasis Lichenoides
- Pityriasis Rosea
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Pityriasis lichenoides is a clonal T-cell disorder that may develop in response to foreign antigens (eg, infections or drugs) and may be associated with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Treatment may include various topical and oral drugs.
Pityriasis lichenoides has distinct acute and chronic forms, which are usually distinct entities; however, lesions may evolve from the acute to chronic type. The acute form typically appears in children and young adults, with crops of asymptomatic chickenpox-like lesions that typically resolve, often with scarring, within weeks to months. Antibiotics (eg, tetracycline, erythromycin) or phototherapy may help.
The chronic form of pityriasis lichenoides initially manifests as flatter, reddish brown, scaling papules that may take months or longer to resolve.
Treatment
Treatment of pityriasis lichenoides is often ineffective, but sunlight, topical corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus, oral antibiotics, phototherapy, and immunosuppressants have been used with varying success (1).
Treatment reference
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1. Bowers S, Warshaw EM: Pityriasis lichenoides and its subtypes. J Am Acad Dermatol 55:557–572, 2006. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.07.058.
Resources In This Article
Drugs Mentioned In This Article
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Drug NameSelect Trade
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tacrolimusPROGRAF
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tetracyclineACHROMYCIN V
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erythromycinERY-TAB, ERYTHROCIN
- Psoriasis and Scaling Diseases
- Psoriasis
- Lichen Planus
- Lichen Sclerosus
- Parapsoriasis
- Pityriasis Lichenoides
- Pityriasis Rosea
- Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
* This is the Professional Version. *
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