Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris: Clinical Features, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options

The document titled "Pityriasis rubra pilaris" from January 1999, published in the International Journal of Dermatology, provided a comprehensive review of the clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment options for Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). The authors, Michael R. Albert MD and Bonnie T. Mackool MD, from the Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School, discussed the various types of PRP, which is a rare skin disorder characterized by reddish-orange scaling patches, thickened skin on the palms and soles, and keratotic follicular papules. The review highlighted the challenges in diagnosing PRP due to its similarity to other dermatological conditions and emphasized the importance of histopathological examination. Treatment options mentioned included topical therapies, systemic retinoids, and immunosuppressive agents, although the response to treatment varied among patients. The article underscored the need for further research to better understand the pathogenesis and improve management strategies for PRP.