Familial pityriasis rubra pilaris: case report and review

Abstract

Background: Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare dermatosis of unknown etiology. Most cases of PRP are sporadic; however, rare cases of familial PRP have been reported.

Objectives: To present a case of PRP inherited in an autosomal dominant (AD) fashion and to evaluate the current literature on familial PRP and formulate a comprehensive, up-to-date summary of this rare condition.

Methods: PubMed was used to conduct a search for articles pertaining to familial PRP published through May 2011.

Results: The first documented case was published in 1910, and 36 subsequent familial cases of PRP have been reported. Familial PRP typically presents very early in childhood, has a gradual onset, and persists throughout life. Given the rarity of this subtype, determining the best therapy has been a challenge. In the pediatric population, a conservative treatment approach, including topical therapy, is frequently used, whereas systemic treatments are reserved for patients with a severe disease that is refractory to therapy.

Conclusion: Rare cases of PRP inherited in an AD fashion have been described and tend to have a chronic clinical course and are treatment refractory. Therefore, the awareness of familial PRP is important for early and accurate diagnosis and administration of appropriate therapy.