Pityriasis lichenoides chronica

Disease Overview

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) is a skin disease that causes the development of small, scaling, raised spots (papules) on the skin. PLC is the relatively mild form of the disease pityriasis lichenoides. A person with PLC tends to have multiple episodes of papules on the skin lasting for months or a few years, meaning the disease is chronic. The papules develop gradually. They first appear pink and scaly, and they gradually flatten and become brown in color over a period of weeks or months. Papules at various stages may be present at any one time.[2350]

The cause of PLC is unknown, but it is not contagious. There are several theories about the cause of the disease, including that it may be a response by the immune system to an infection or medication.[2350][2228] Diagnosis of PLC is based on a doctor observing papules on the skin. A skin biopsy may be used to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment options may include antibiotics, creams for the skin, or phototherapy. In severe cases, medications that suppress the immune system response (immunosuppressants) may be used.[2350][2228]