Loading...
The use of systemic retinoids has been a major advance in the treatment of classic adult-type pityriasis rubra pilaris. Without aggressive therapy, the disease usually progresses to a generalized erythroderma with disabling palmoplantar keratoderma. This author from the Mayo Clinic reviewed that institution's experience treating classic pityriasis rubra pilaris between 1982 (when retinoids became available) and 1992.
Seventy five patients were identified. Of 15 patients treated with isotretinoin, 10 had complete clearing after an average of 25 weeks. Of 6 patients treated with etretinate, 4 had clearing after an average of 8 months. Methotrexate also was extremely effective, with clearing after 6 months in all 8 patients treated with it. Oth…