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Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica

Table of Contents

Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica

PLC

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.

Summary

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Skin rash

Image by CDC/ Susan Lindsley

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Skin rash

This photograph depicts a right anterior-oblique view of a patient’s torso, which exhibited skin lesions that were due to the inflammatory disease, parapsoriasis, which refers to a group of relatively uncommon inflammatory, maculopapular, scaly skin eruptions of unknown etiology. Parapsoriasis is divided into two distinct subgroups: pityriasis lichenoides, and small- or large-plaque parapsoriasis.

Image by CDC/ Susan Lindsley

What Is Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica?

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.

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. 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.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Additional Materials (2)

Pityriasis Lichenoides - Daily Do's of Dermatology

Video by Doctorpedia/YouTube

Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica. Dermpath Made Easy.

Video by Dr. Michael Lee/YouTube

2:14

Pityriasis Lichenoides - Daily Do's of Dermatology

Doctorpedia/YouTube

3:56

Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica. Dermpath Made Easy.

Dr. Michael Lee/YouTube

Causes

Idiopathic - Unknown

Image by PaliGraficas/Pixabay

Idiopathic - Unknown

Image by PaliGraficas/Pixabay

What Causes Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica?

There is some evidence that PLC could be caused by the overgrowth of cells of the lymphatic system (lymphoproliferative disorder). PLC could also be caused by a reaction of the immune system against the body’s own tissues (autoimmune response). However, the cause of PLC may be different for different people with the disease, and the exact cause of the disease may not be determined for each person. PLC is not contagious, so it cannot be spread by coming in contact with a person who has the skin papules.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Inheritance

Unknown (película)

Image by Diseñadores publicitarios/Wikimedia

Unknown (película)

Logo de «Unknown».

Image by Diseñadores publicitarios/Wikimedia

How Is Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica Inherited?

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) is not thought to be passed directly from parents to children. This is because there is not one specific gene in which changes are thought to cause PLC. The development of PLC may be associated with having certain kinds of infections, or it may be caused by the immune system attacking the tissues of the body (autoimmune response). In general, autoimmune responses are thought to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. If the cause of PLC can be determined for a specific person and family members have similar risk factors, they may have an increased risk to develop PLC as well.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Symptoms

Pityriasis rosea

Image by Mohammad2018/Wikimedia

Pityriasis rosea

pityriasis rosé de Gibert (PRG) est une dermatose bénigne, fréquente, eczématiforme à l'histologie (biopsie inutile en pratique).Le diagnostic est anamnestique et clinique, aucun agent causal n'a été identifié (cause virale suspectée). Le médaillon initial (inconstant) est suivi d'une efflorescence de lésion comparables de plus petite taille. Celles ci sont typiquement ovalaires et orientées dans le dos selon l'axe des côtes "en sapin de Noël". Respect des extrémités. Le diagnostic peut être plus difficile sur peau noire où l'érythème est masqué, l'aspect ovalaire des lésions est un signe précieux (voir patient n°4 en bas).Evolution : stabilisation en 15 jours, guérison spontanée en 4 à 6 semaines (maximum 8 semaines). Formes cliniques : vésiculeuse, purpurique, dysidrosique bulleuse, inversée (extrémités, ou grands plis seulement, voir cas n°3).Autres diagnostics à évoquer : syphilis secondaire, parapsoriasis en gouttes (pityriasis lichenoides), psoriasis en gouttes, toxidermie à type de PRG.Traitement symptomatique : émollients, anti H1 sédatifs. En cas de prurit majeur, la photothérapie UVB TL01 est souvent efficace en 4 à 6 séances.Une étude publiée en 2000 a montré que l'érythromycine DCI per os raccoucissait le délai de guérison du pityriasis rosé de Gibert ( Ceci mérite confirmation, mais a l'avantage de l'inocuité. Cette étude relance l'hypothèse d'une cause infectieuse bactérienne curable.

Image by Mohammad2018/Wikimedia

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica?

The most common locations for the papules are the trunk, buttocks, arms, and legs. Rarely, the papules may also occur on the hands, feet, face, and scalp. The papules typically are located in groups, and are generally not painful or itchy. The papules can resemble those associated with psoriasis, chicken pox, or insect bites.

PLC is a chronic disease, meaning that some people experience the development of new papules after old papules have faded. This can last for several months to several years. PLC most commonly affects adolescents and young adults. The disease may be slightly more common in males.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Diagnosis

Papule (Cutaneous condition)

Image by Madhero88

Papule (Cutaneous condition)

Schematic Illustration of Papule and Plaque. Plaque - A plaque has been described as a broad papule, or confluence of papules equal to or greater than 1 cm, or alternatively as an elevated, plateau-like lesion that is greater in its diameter than in its depth.

Image by Madhero88

How Is Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica Diagnosed?

Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) may be suspected when a doctor, most often a dermatologist, observes papules on the skin that look like those associated with PLC. These papules can also look like those that are caused by other diseases including psoriasis, chicken pox, or insect bites. Therefore, a skin biopsy may be recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Prognosis

Prognosis Icon

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

Prognosis Icon

Image by mcmurryjulie/Pixabay

What Is the Long-Term Outlook for People with Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica?

For some people, treatment helps to shorten the duration of the disease. Some treatments, such as steroids or antibiotics, may cause side-effects. Some people may need to try a combination of treatments to find what works best in relieving the symptoms. In some cases, treatment may not relieve the symptoms of PLC. Rarely, people with PLC may develop a specific type of lymphoma of the skin (cutaneous lymphoma).

Source: Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

Related HealthJournals

Pityriasis Lichenoides

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a skin condition characterized by small, raised pink spots that tend to come together in groups. It is not contagious.

Skin Infections

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Skin Conditions and Disorders

Your skin is your body's largest organ. It covers and protects your body. There are many diseases or conditions that can affect your skin and appearance. Learn about common skin conditions, including how to identify them, and tips on how to keep your skin healthy.

Skin Anatomy

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Pityriasis Lichenoides Chronica

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.

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