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Doctors and dermatologist do not always know what causes most skin growths and other types of skin aliments. They do however, know that some are caused by viruses and other others are due to environmental exposures. The one thing that they can agree on is that you should get any rash, growth or blemish checked out.

Pityriasis Lichenoides is a rare skin disorder that appears as a red or brown rash at first. This skin disorder is sometimes mistaken for chicken pox. The rash is raised and scaly. It is a disease of the immune system. It is possible that once the rash flattens out a brown mark will be left on the individual’s skin. These brown marks do begin to fade after several months. This condition is not at all dangerous or contagious. Its mild form is referred to as Pityriasis Lichenoides chronica and its severe form is known as Pityriasis Lichenoides et varioliformis acuta.

Who can get them?

Pityriasis Lichenoides can affect all individuals equally. It does seem to affect more males than females. It rarely affects infants and individuals of old age. This skin disorder usually begins to show in individual’s in their thirty’s, however, it can affect adolescents and young adults.

What can cause them?

The exact cause of Pityriasis Lichenoides is unknown. There is some evidence to suggest that the rash appears as a reaction to some sort of microorganism such as a virus. A person who has Pityriasis Lichenoides something affects the immune system, the result of this, is that these rashes come out onto the skin.

How does it happen?

An individual inflicted with Pityriasis Lichenoides will have a red or brownish rash that appears to be scaly and raised. The raised part of the rash appears to be small and firm. Sometimes these raised bumps can contain fluid.

Where do they appear?

Pityriasis Lichenoides appear on the trunk, thighs, and arms. They rarely appear on the face, head or feet. The appearance of these rashes can make an individual’s life uncomfortable.

What are the symptoms?

Pityriasis Lichenoides start out as a small rash that is red-brown in color that appears to be raised. Sometimes these bumps can have a clear fluid inside them. They will eventually break if left on their own. The spots can range in diameter from three to eighteen millimeters. They are not very irritating to the individual, but if it does becoming itching, it is important not to scratch them as they could be infected. It is possible that the rash will be accompanied with a fever and headache, but these are very mild. It almost feels like you are coming down with a case of the flu. The rash can last for a few weeks to a couple of months, and usually disappears entirely within one to two years.

How can it be diagnosed?

A doctor or dermatologist can diagnose Pityriasis Lichenoides by conducting a skin biopsy of the affected area. Once the skin has been scraped, it often reveals a shiny brown surface.

What treatments are available?

Pityriasis Lichenoides may not always respond to certain treatments and it can recur when the treatment is stopped. This is why it is best to use a combination of treatments to assure that this condition will be controlled, since it can not be entirely cured.

Corticosteroids creams and ointments can be applied to the skin to control the rash. If you have sensitive skin you need to apply these creams and ointments very carefully. Antihistamines, such as Benadryl, are also many times prescribed to help relieve the itching that may be associated with the rash. Phototherapy is also frequently used to improve and clear up the rash. In more extreme cases, medications such as methotrexate and Zithromax are prescribed for this condition.

It is imperative that individuals remember that even if a skin growth does not look serious, it is always recommended that you visit a doctor and have it looked at. The earlier the treatment, the more likely you will be able to prevent long term serious damage. We only get one skin, so we need to do whatever it takes to protect in for the long haul.