Korean J Dermatol.  2012 Nov;50(11):982-986.

Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris Treated with Infliximab

• Choi JS
• Kim JH
• Yun JH
• Kang HK
• Baek JO
• Lee JR
• Roh JY

Abstract

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a chronic papulosquamous disorder of unknown etiology, which may pose therapeutic challenges. There is currently no universally effective treatment for PRP, and some cases are resistant to multiple topical and systemic therapies. Systemic retinoids, methotrexate, several immunosuppressive agents and phototherapy have all been used with varying degrees of success. Recently, a few reports have appeared in the literature, concerning the use of biologics in combination therapies and/or in refractory PRP cases. We report a case of PRP similar to type II with juvenile onset, which was recalcitrant to traditional topical and systemic therapy. He was successfully treated with anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody, infliximab. The patient showed resolution with minimal disease activity, and was maintained on acitretin and emollients. The response to infliximab in our patient and in the previously reported cases confirms a role of anti-TNF-alpha therapy as an effective option in the treatment of PRP.

Keyword

Anti-TNF-alpha monoclonal antibody; Infliximab; Pityriasis rubra pilaris

MeSH Terms

Acitretin
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Biological Agents
Emollients
Humans
Immunosuppressive Agents
Methotrexate
Phototherapy
Pityriasis
Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris
Retinoids
Skin Diseases, Papulosquamous
Infliximab
Acitretin
Antibodies, Monoclonal
Biological Agents
Emollients
Immunosuppressive Agents
Methotrexate
Retinoids