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| >> Leaflets Please click here to download a printable version Pityriasis lichenoides
What are the aims of this leaflet? This leaflet has been written to help you understand more about pityriasis lichenoides. It tells you what it is, what causes it, what can be done about it, and where you can find out more about it. What is pityriasis lichenoides?
Pityriasis lichenoides is a rare skin disorder that will not harm your general health. The awkward name ‘pityriasis lichenoides’ means that the rash is scaly (pityriasis) and that it was once thought to look a bit like lichen (a type of plant that lives on rocks) because it is made up of small bumpy areas. There are two types: a short-lived form usually found in children (known as pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA)); and a more long-lasting form known as pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC). What causes pityriasis lichenoides? The cause of pityriasis lichenoides is not known, but the 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. Is it hereditary? No. What are the symptoms of pityriasis lichenoides?
New spots can irritate as they come up.
What does pityriasis lichenoides look like?
There may be a mild illness with a fever. The rash starts as separate pink spots, which form a little blister and may turn black. A crust forms on the surface and drops off to leave a small scar. The spots come up in crops, and so the rash consists of spots at various stages of development: some are small pink bumps; others have small blisters on top; and others are blackish. The rash can look like chicken pox but takes much longer to clear. It rarely affects the face but the spots are usually scattered on the trunk and limbs.
The spots look less angry and are covered with a firm shiny scale. A good diagnostic pointer is the way this scale, covering the top of a spot, can be scraped off as a single chunk, to reveal a shiny brownish surface underneath. The spots fade within three to four weeks but new spots may then come up. The rash can clear up in a few weeks or grumble on for years. How will it be diagnosed?
The look of the rash suggests the diagnosis. However PLEVA can look like chickenpox (though it lasts much longer) and PLC can look like psoriasis, lichen planus or even insect bites. The examination of a small sample of the rash (a biopsy) under the microscope should confirm the diagnosis.
Can it be cured?
No treatment is certain to cure pityriasis lichenoides. How can it be treated? Reports suggest that antibiotics given for one month help some patients. Natural sunlight may be effective, and treatment with special ultraviolet light lamps (not ordinary sun beds) can also help. Lamps that produce UVB or UVA (different wavelengths of ultraviolet light) are both useful, as is the combination of tablets known as Psoralens with UVA (PUVA treatment). PUVA has a greater effect on the skin, but carries a higher risk of side effects. What can I do?
If the rash is not a nuisance, you may need no treatment.
Where can I get more
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