Pityriasis lichenoides
Pityriasis lichenoides Pityriasis lichenoides is the name given to an uncommon rash of unknown cause. The condition can range from a relatively mild chronic form to a more severe acute eruption. The mild chronic form, known as pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC), is characterised by the gradual development of symptomless, small, scaling papules that spontaneously flatten and regress over a period of weeks. At the other end of a continuous clinical spectrum of pityriasis lichenoides is the acute form of the condition. This is characterised by the abrupt eruption of small scaling papules that develop into blisters and crusted red-brown spots. This acute form is known as pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA). Who gets pityriasis lichenoides and why? 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. It is rare in infants and in old age. The...