Dark Adaptation in Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Pityriasis rubra pilaris

“…Variations of vitamin A therapy exist in anecdotal reports. These have included successful oral treatment with carotene, 44 cod 110 or halibut 43 liver oil , vitamin E with vitamin A, 111 and aqueous emulsified oral vitamin A in place of oil‐based vitamin A 112 . Beneficial topical vitamin A treatment was also reported 113 …”

“…Loewenthal 41 reported a similar papular eruption in Ugandan prisoners diagnosed with vitamin A deficiency, and noted a histology identical to the papules of PRP. This finding led to speculation that PRP might result from a vitamin A deficiency and prompted early successful attempts at treatment with vitamin A; 42–44 however, patients with PRP frequently have normal serum vitamin A levels. Abnormally low vitamin A levels were found by Griffiths 45 in zero of 25 patients, and by Gross et al 30 .…”

Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

“…The disease has been known to follow acute infections, such as varicella or scarlatina, or some shock, such as the injection of diphtheria toxoid. 12 Palmoplantar hyperkeratosis with striated extension to the dorsal surface of the fingers has been described, and sometimes a definite band of erythema surrounds the hyperkeratotic palms and soles.58 The scales may vary from thin, pityriasis-like scales to thick, large, adherent flakes. When infiltration is moderate, exaggeration of normal skin lines may be a conspicuous feature.18 In the ex¬ foliative stages the skin may become glazed, atrophie, and dull red in color, and it may even ulcerate over bony prominences.11…”

“…The sebaceous apparatus is usually atrophied or absent. 12 This picture must be contrasted to that found in vitamin A deficiency, which histologically resembles pityriasis rubra pilaris except that there is no spotted parakeratosis, dermal infiltrate, or irregular acanthosis.48 Therapy The treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris has been dominated by the use of various in¬ ternal preparations. These Local therapy reported includes alkaline or starch baths,58 salicylic acid ointment,12,58 cod liver oil,12 30% urea compresses,56 tar ointments,23 hydrocortisone and triamcinolone.23…”

Vitamin A—Responsive Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris With Myasthenia Gravis

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9] It is unknown if the vita¬ min deficiency causes the cutaneous changes or if the conditions are coincidental. It is also uncertain how the vitamin exerts its beneficial effect.…”