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Pityriasis lichenoides chronica is a rare skin disorder that will not harm your general health. The condition can range from a relatively mild chronic form to a more severe acute eruption. It is more common in males than females. Neither type of pityriasis lichenoides is infectious. The mild chronic form, known as pityriasis lichenoides chronica, is characterised by the gradual development of symptomless, small, scaling papules that spontaneously flatten and regress over a period of weeks. There are two types: a short-lived form usually found in children, known as pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, and a more long-lasting form known as pityriasis lichenoides chronica. It is not contagious and currently there is no cure for the disease, although the lesions can be treated with ultraviolet therapy as well as topical steroids and antibiotics. The ulcers may become infected. In addition, systemic systems may include high fever, sore throat, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, central nervous system symptoms, lung disease, enlarged spleen, arthritis, sepsis, anaemia, and conjunctival ulcers. In some cases the condition can lead to death.
In pityriasis lichenoides, the patient generally feels well, but sometimes the crops of skin lesions are together with mild headache and fever. It is related histologically to pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, which presents as a recurrent papulonecrotic eruption. No specific bacteria or virus has yet been identified however. This disease has not been known to be life threatening. The chronic form presents as flatter, reddish brown, scaling papules that may take months or longer to resolve. 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. There were a few macules on the face, and there were no scalp lesions. The nails and oral mucosae were normal. Patients may have guttate, hypopigmented macules with scale in addition to papules. It is not contagious and currently there is no cure for the disease, although the lesions can be treated with ultraviolet therapy as well as topical steroids and antibiotics.
Causes of Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
Pityriasis lichenoides most often affects adolescents and young adults, usually appearing before the age of 30. It appears to be slightly more common in males. A person who has Pityriasis Lichenoides something affects the immune system, the result of this, is that these rashes come out onto the skin.
Common causes and risk factors of Pityriasis lichenoides chronica:
- The infections of toxoplasme.
- Epstein-Barr virus.
- The reaction of over-sensitiveness to the infectious agents.
- Group A beta-haemolytic streptococci.
- Parvovirus.
Signs and Symptoms of Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
Pityriasis Lichenoides start out as a small rash that is red-brown in color that appears to be raised. Sometimes these bumps can have a clear fluid inside them. Unlike pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, lesions are not painful, itchy or irritable. Pityriasis lichenoides chronica most commonly occurs over the buttocks, arms and legs, trunk. It almost feels like you are coming down with a case of the flu. The rash can last for a few weeks to a couple of months, and usually disappears entirely within one to two years.
Sign and symptoms may include the following :
- Small firm red brown spots.
- A small pink papule occurs that turns a reddish-brown colour.
- Itching and burning of affected areas.
- Severe form may develop large necrotic ulcers which may resolve leaving areas of scarring.
- Fever and myalgia.
Treatment for Pityriasis lichenoides chronica
If the rash is not causing symptoms, treatment may not be necessary. Topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus or pimecrolimus. Tacrolimus ointment applied twice daily has been used successfully to treat patients with pityriasis lichenoides chronica. Phototherapy is also frequently used to improve and clear up the rash. In more extreme cases, medications such as methotrexate and Zithromax are prescribed for this condition. Corticosteroids creams and ointments can be applied to the skin to control the rash. If you have sensitive skin you need to apply these creams and ointments very carefully.
Treatment may include:
- Antihistamines such as Benadryl by mouth will help alleviate the itching.
- Tacrolimus ointment applied twice daily has been used successfully to treat patients with pityriasis lichenoides chronica.
- Antibiotics may be used for some patients.
- Corticosteroid creams and ointments applied to the skin often control the rash and itching.
- Sometimes ultraviolet light treatment will improve pityriasis lichenoides.
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