Pityriasis lichenoides has distinct acute and chronic forms, which are usually distinct entities; however, lesions may evolve from the acute to chronic type. The acute form typically appears in children and young adults, with crops of asymptomatic chickenpox-like lesions that typically resolve, often with scarring, within weeks to months. Antibiotics (eg, tetracycline, erythromycin) or phototherapy may help.
The chronic form of pityriasis lichenoides initially manifests as flatter, reddish brown, scaling papules that may take months or longer to resolve.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of pityriasis lichenoides is based on clinical appearance and distribution.
Biopsy is done when clinical findings are inconclusive.
Differential diagnosis of pityriasis lichenoides includes the following:
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Hypopigmented mycosis fungoides (a form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
Treatment
Treatment of pityriasis lichenoides is often ineffective, but sunlight, topical corticosteroids, topical tacrolimus, oral antibiotics, phototherapy, and immunosuppressants have been used with varying success (1).
Treatment reference
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1. Bowers S, Warshaw EM: Pityriasis lichenoides and its subtypes. J Am Acad Dermatol 55:557–572, 2006. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2005.07.058.
