Pityriasis rubra pilaris

Disease Overview

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) refers to a group of skin conditions that cause constant inflammation and scaling of the skin.[2545] People with PRP have reddish, scaly patches that may occur everywhere on the body, or only on certain areas.[7255][14002] Some people with PRP also develop thickened skin on the underside of the hands and feet (palmoplantar keratoderma), various nail abnormalities, and/or thinning of the hair.[14003] There are several types of PRP classified by age when symptoms begin, body areas involved, and whether other conditions are present.[7255][2546] This condition occurs in adults (adult onset PRP) as well as children (juvenile onset PRP).[14003]

In most cases, PRP is not inherited and the cause is not known. In some people, particularly some with type V (the “atypical juvenile type”), PRP has autosomal dominant inheritance and may be caused by mutations in the CARD14 gene.[14004][14005]

Treatment options vary based on symptoms and severity. No one treatment works for all people with PRP. Examples of treatment options include topical emollients or medications, oral retinoids, and/or immunosuppressants.[7255][14003][2546]