Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) was first described in 1828 by Tarral and was named by Besnier in 1889. It is a chronic papulosquamous disorder of unknown etiology characterized by reddish orange scaly plaques, palmoplantar keratoderma, and keratotic follicular papules. The disease may progress to erythroderma with distinct areas of uninvolved skin, the so-called islands of sparing.
Griffiths divided pityriasis rubra pilaris into 5 categories: classic adult type, atypical adult type, classic juvenile type, circumscribed juvenile type, and atypical juvenile type.[1, 2] More recently, an HIV-associated type has been added to this classification system.[3, 4, 5, 6]
A few reports have also described pityriasis rubra pilaris associated with underlying malignancy.[7, 8]
Other Medscape pityriasis articles include Dermatologic Manifestations of Pityriasis Alba, Pityriasis Lichenoides, Pityriasis Rosea, and Pityriasis Rotunda.
The etiology is unknown. A familial form of the disease exists, with an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern. Type V pityriasis rubra pilaris has been linked to mutations in the gene, CARD.[9, 10, 11] Most cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris are sporadic, however.[12] One hypothesis is that pityriasis rubra pilaris may be related to an abnormal immune response to an antigenic trigger. Case reports have described pityriasis rubra pilaris occurring after streptococcal infections.[13]
The incidence of pityriasis rubra pilaris has been reported to be 1 case in 3500-5000 patients presenting to dermatologic clinics.
Race
Persons of any race can be affected.
Sex
Pityriasis rubra pilaris occurs equally among men and women.[14]
Age
The familial form of pityriasis rubra pilaris typically begins in early childhood and has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern.
The acquired form of pityriasis rubra pilaris has a bimodal age distribution, with peaks in the first and fifth decades of life, but it can begin at any age.
Each type of pityriasis rubra pilaris has its own prognosis. In general, the familial form of the disease may be persistent throughout life, and the acquired form of the disease may resolve spontaneously within 1-3 years. Patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris can have painful and disabling palmoplantar keratoderma. Nail dystrophy and shedding may be present. However, most of the morbidity associated with pityriasis rubra pilaris is associated with the erythroderma (see Complications).
The prpAlliance (http://prpalliance.com/) is a nonprofit, patient advocacy organization. Their Web site is currently offline, but it directs the reader to the PRP Community on RareConnect (see https://www.rareconnect.org/en/community/pityriasis-rubra-pilaris). Additionally, there is a PRP Facebook Support Group, founded in 2013, for patients and caregivers.
The familial form of pityriasis rubra pilaris has a gradual onset, whereas the acquired form has an acute onset. Various triggers have been described, including vaccination.[15] The disease typically spreads in a craniocaudal direction. Patients first notice redness and scales on the face and the scalp. This is often followed by redness and thickening of the palms and the soles (see the images below). The lesions may expand and coalesce to cover the entire body.
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Plantar keratoderma with an orange hue on the soles.
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Palmar keratoderma with an orange hue on the palms.
Physical findings can be grouped by skin, nails, mucous membranes, and eyes.
Skin
Pityriasis rubra pilaris is characterized by orange-red or salmon-colored scaly plaques with sharp borders, which may expand to involve the entire body (see the images below). Often, areas of uninvolved skin, referred to as islands of sparing, are present. Follicular hyperkeratosis is commonly seen on the dorsal aspects of the proximal phalanges, the elbows, and the wrists (see the images below). This pattern may be referred to as nutmeg grater papules. Palmoplantar keratoderma occurs in most patients and tends to have an orange hue. Painful fissures may develop in patients with palmoplantar keratoderma. Pruritus, although not a major symptom, may occur in the early stages of the disease.
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Reddish orange plaques on the trunk.
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Follicular hyperkeratosis seen on the dorsal aspect of the proximal phalanges.
Nails
Nail changes include distal yellow-brown discoloration, subungual hyperkeratosis, longitudinal ridging, nail plate thickening, and splinter hemorrhages. Nail pitting is not typical.
Mucous membranes
Patients may complain of pain and irritation in the mouth. Mucous membrane changes include a diffuse whitish appearance of the buccal mucosa, lacy whitish plaques, grayish-white papules and plaques, erythema, or possible erosions.[16]
Eyes
Patients with extensive disease may develop ectropion. Patients have also reported blurred vision and dryness.
Griffiths classification
Type I is classic adult pityriasis rubra pilaris. This is the most common form of pityriasis rubra pilaris, accounting for more than 50% of all cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris. Onset is acute, and the features are classic, including erythroderma with islands of sparing, palmoplantar keratoderma, and follicular hyperkeratosis. This type of pityriasis rubra pilaris has the best prognosis. Reportedly, about 80% of patients have remission in an average of 3 years. One reported case resolved spontaneously after 20 years.[17] Scarring alopecia has been reported in this setting.[18]
Type II is atypical adult pityriasis rubra pilaris. This form accounts for about 5% of all cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris. It is characterized by ichthyosiform lesions, areas of eczematous change, alopecia, and long duration (often 20 y or more).
Type III is classic juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris. This form accounts for about 10% of all cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris. It is very similar to type I; however, its onset is within the first 2 years of life. Remission can occur sooner than with type I, within an average of 1 year.
Type IV is circumscribed juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris. This form accounts for about 25% of all cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris. It occurs in prepubertal children and is characterized by sharply demarcated areas of follicular hyperkeratosis and erythema of the knees and the elbows. The long-term outcome is unclear, with some reports of improvement in the late teenaged years. This form of pityriasis rubra pilaris rarely progresses.
Type V is atypical juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris. This form accounts for about 5% of all cases of pityriasis rubra pilaris. Most cases of familial pityriasis rubra pilaris belong to this group. It has an early onset and runs a chronic course. It is characterized by prominent follicular hyperkeratosis, sclerodermalike changes on the palms and the soles, and infrequent erythema.
Type VI is HIV-associated pityriasis rubra pilaris. Patients with HIV may have nodulocystic and pustular acneiform lesions. Elongated follicular plugs or lichen spinulosus–type lesions have also been reported to be present. Patients' conditions tend to be resistant to standard treatments, but they may respond to antiretroviral therapies.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris can cause painful and disabling palmoplantar keratoderma.
Nail dystrophy and shedding may occur.
Erythroderma is a reaction pattern of the skin that can occur in the setting of several different skin disorders, most commonly including psoriasis, eczema, lymphoma, drug reactions, and pityriasis rubra pilaris. It is characterized by generalized erythema and scales, hair loss, and onycholysis. Systemic symptoms include malaise, fatigue, anorexia, fever, and chills. Patients with erythroderma may develop lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, and electrolyte abnormalities due to increased transepidermal water loss. Cardiac failure may occur in patients with preexisting heart conditions.
No specific laboratory tests are available to confirm the diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). The diagnosis is usually made on the basis of a correlation between clinical findings and histologic findings.[19]
Perform tests for electrolyte abnormalities, hypoalbuminemia, secondary bacterial infection in the skin, and possible sepsis.
Histologic features are not pathognomonic, but they are useful to rule out other possible papulosquamous and erythrodermic disorders. Features on light microscopy include hyperkeratosis with alternating orthokeratosis and parakeratosis forming a checkerboard pattern in the stratum corneum, focal or confluent hypergranulosis, follicular plugging with perifollicular parakeratosis forming a shoulder effect, thick suprapapillary plates, broad rete ridges, narrow dermal papillae, and sparse superficial dermal lymphocytic perivascular infiltration. Acantholysis has been reported as an additional histologic finding in pityriasis rubra pilaris.[9] Acantholysis may be restricted to adnexal epithelium. The presence of acantholysis, hypergranulosis, follicular plugging, and the absence of dilated capillaries and epidermal pustulation may help distinguish pityriasis rubra pilaris from psoriasis.[20, 21]
Features on electron microscopy include a decreased number of keratin filaments and desmosomes, enlarged intercellular spaces, parakeratosis with lipidlike vacuoles, large numbers of lamellar granules, and a focal split in the basal lamina at the dermoepidermal junction.
Topical corticosteroids may provide some patient comfort, but they are believed to have little long-term therapeutic effect on pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP).
Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analogue that has been used in the topical treatment of psoriasis. A report of successful treatment has been documented in 3 patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris; however, controlled studies are needed to further assess its usefulness.[22]
The topical retinoid tazarotene has been used for topical treatment of psoriasis and acne. It has been reported to improve juvenile circumscribed pityriasis rubra pilaris.[23]
Emollients reduce fissuring and dryness, providing some patient comfort. Petroleum jelly or one of the many proprietary emollients may be used.
Biologics targeting tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukins 12 and 23, and Th17 can produce remissions.[24, 25, 26, 27]
Phototherapy
Phototherapy can include narrowband phototherapy and extracorporeal photochemotherapy.
Nonresponsiveness to treatment with topical and systemic medications should prompt consideration of narrowband UVB phototherapy. Narrowband UVB phototherapy uses a fluorescent bulb with a narrow emission spectrum that peaks at 311 nm (UVB spectrum, 290-320 nm). This selective and relatively longer wavelength may be more effective than broadband UVB for the treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris.[28]
Extracorporeal photochemotherapy involves the ex vivo exposure of leukapheresed peripheral blood mononuclear cells to UVA in the presence of 8-MOP (DNA-intercalating agent) and subsequent reinfusion of the treated cells. Successful treatment of a patient with pityriasis rubra pilaris that was unresponsive to standard treatments has been reported.[29] Further studies are needed.
Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) patients who have erythroderma should be monitored for electrolyte abnormalities, hypoalbuminemia, secondary bacterial infection in the skin, and possible sepsis.
The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications. Due to the rarity of this disease, therapy has been based on anecdotal reports.[30] No large controlled trials have been performed.
A study of 12 patients by Dickens revealed that 80% of the patients had improvement from the use of oral retinoids. Clinical improvement can be expected within 4-6 months.[31]
The use of monoclonal antibodies that suppress the immune system may improve the clinical aspects of the disease.[32] A case series has compared infliximab with etanercept and found a more rapid onset of action with infliximab but roughly equal treatment duration required when compared with etanercept.[33] Adalimumab has been added to the list,[34] as has ustekinumab.[35, 36] Infliximab has been reported anecdotally to be of benefit, as has etanercept and ustekinemab.[35, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41]
Immunosuppressants inhibit cell growth and proliferation. They may also cause immunosuppression.[42] Immunosuppressants inhibit key factors that regulate the immune system. Case reports have shown benefit in some patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris.[43, 44]
Clinical Context:
Acitretin is a metabolite of etretinate and related to both retinoic acid and retinol (vitamin A). Its mechanism of action is unknown. However, it is thought to exert therapeutic effects by modulating keratinocyte differentiation, keratinocyte hyperproliferation, and tissue infiltration by inflammatory cells. It is approved for the treatment of severe psoriasis.
Clinical Context:
Isotretinoin is a synthetic 13-cis isomer of the naturally occurring tretinoin (trans-retinoic acid). It is approved for use in severe recalcitrant nodular acne. A review by Allison et al revealed clearing in 5 of 6 pediatric patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris within 6 months.
A US Food and Drug Administration–mandated registry is now in place for all individuals prescribing, dispensing, or taking isotretinoin. For more information on this registry, see iPLEDGE. This registry aims to further decrease the risk of pregnancy and other unwanted and potentially dangerous adverse effects during a course of isotretinoin therapy.
Clinical Context:
Cyclosporine is a cyclic polypeptide immunosuppressant agent produced as a metabolite by the fungus species Beauvaria nivea. It is approved for use in organ transplantation patients, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.
Clinical Context:
Azathioprine antagonizes purine metabolism and inhibits the synthesis of DNA, RNA, and proteins. It may decrease the proliferation of immune cells, which results in immunosuppression. It is approved for use in transplantation patients and patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Clinical Context:
Methotrexate is an antimetabolite that inhibits dihydrofolate reductase, thereby hindering DNA synthesis and cell reproduction. Successful treatment is reported. Follow the same guidelines as for use in psoriasis. Improvement may occur in 6 weeks, with a complete response after 3-4 months. Relapse may occur upon discontinuation.
These agents inhibit cell growth and proliferation. They may also cause immunosuppression. Immunosuppressants inhibit key factors that regulate the immune system.
Clinical Context:
Etanercept is a soluble p75 TNF receptor fusion protein (sTNFR-Ig). It inhibits TNF binding to cell surface receptors, which, in turn, decreases inflammatory and immune responses.
Clinical Context:
Infliximab is a chimeric monoclonal antibody that binds specifically to human tumor necrosis factor-alpha. It is approved for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriatic arthritis. Several reported cases describe adult-onset pityriasis rubra pilaris with excellent responses to infliximab.
Clinical Context:
Adalimumab is a recombinant human IgG1 monoclonal antibody specific for human TNF. It binds specifically to TNF-alpha and blocks interaction with p55 and p75 cell-surface TNF receptors. This interferes with cytokine-driven inflammatory processes. It also lyses surface TNF-expressing cells in vitro in the presence of complement, but it does not bind to TNF-beta (lymphotoxin).
Clinical Context:
Ustekinumab is a human monoclonal antibody directed against IL-12 and IL-23, thereby interfering with T-cell differentiation and activation and subsequent cytokine cascades.
Monoclonal antibodies are genetically engineered chimeric murine-human immunoglobulins directed against tumor necrosis factor, which in turn interferes with cytokine driven inflammatory processes.
What is pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What is the pathophysiology of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What is the incidence of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) in the US?What are the racial predilections of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What are the sexual predilections of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?How does the prevalence of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) vary by age?What is the prognosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?Where are patient education resources for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) found?Which clinical history findings are characteristics of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?Which physical findings are characteristic of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?Which ocular findings are characteristic of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What are the Griffiths classifications of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What are the possible complications of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What are the differential diagnoses for Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris?What is the role of lab studies in the diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?Which clinical procedure is performed in the diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?Which histologic findings are characteristic of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What is the role of topical therapy in the treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What is the role of phototherapy in the treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What is included in the long-term monitoring for pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?What is the role of medications in the treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP)?Which medications in the drug class Monoclonal Antibodies are used in the treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris?Which medications in the drug class Vitamins are used in the treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris?Which medications in the drug class DMARDs, TNF Inhibitors are used in the treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris?Which medications in the drug class Immunosuppressants are used in the treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris?Which medications in the drug class Retinoids are used in the treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris?
Philip D Shenefelt, MD, MS, Professor, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of South Florida College of Medicine; Past Chief, Section of Dermatology, James A Haley Veteran Affairs Medical Center
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Specialty Editors
Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD, Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference
Disclosure: Received salary from Medscape for employment. for: Medscape.
Jeffrey P Callen, MD, Professor of Medicine (Dermatology), Chief, Division of Dermatology, University of Louisville School of Medicine
Disclosure: Received honoraria from UpToDate for author/editor; Received royalty from Elsevier for book author/editor; Received dividends from trust accounts, but I do not control these accounts, and have directed our managers to divest pharmaceutical stocks as is fiscally prudent from Stock holdings in various trust accounts include some pharmaceutical companies and device makers for i inherited these trust accounts; for: Allergen; Celgene; Pfizer; 3M; Johnson and Johnson; Merck; Abbott Laboratories; AbbVie; Procter and Gamble; Amgen.
Chief Editor
Dirk M Elston, MD, Professor and Chairman, Department of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine
Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.
Additional Contributors
Andrea Leigh Zaenglein, MD, Professor of Dermatology and Pediatrics, Department of Dermatology, Hershey Medical Center, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine
Disclosure: Received consulting fee from Galderma for consulting; Received consulting fee from Valeant for consulting; Received consulting fee from Promius for consulting; Received consulting fee from Anacor for consulting; Received grant/research funds from Stiefel for investigator; Received grant/research funds from Astellas for investigator; Received grant/research funds from Ranbaxy for other; Received consulting fee from Ranbaxy for consulting.
Acknowledgements
The authors and editors of Medscape Reference gratefully acknowledge the contributions of previous author, Margaret H. Rinker, MD, to the development and writing of this article.
Fuchs-Telem D, Sarig O, van Steensel MA, et al. Familial Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris Is Caused by Mutations in CARD14. Am J Hum Genet. 2012 Jul 13. 91(1):163-70.
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