Pityriasis Rotunda Medication

  • Author: Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD   more...
 
Updated: Jan 24, 2012
 

Medication Summary

The goals of pharmacotherapy are to reduce morbidity and to prevent complications.

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Retinoids

Class Summary

Decrease cohesiveness of abnormal hyperproliferative keratinocytes and may reduce potential for malignant degeneration. Modulate keratinocyte differentiation. Have been shown to reduce risk of skin cancer formation in renal transplant patients.

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Tretinoin topical (Avita, Retin-A)

 

Inhibits microcomedo formation and eliminates lesions. Makes keratinocytes in sebaceous follicles less adherent and easier to remove. Available as 0.025%, 0.05%, and 0.1% creams. Available also as 0.01% and 0.025% gels.

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Emollients

Class Summary

Contain colloidal solids and various oils that act as emollients. Recommended for relief of minor skin irritations and pruritus associated with common dermatoses and dry skin conditions.

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Ammonium lactate (Lac-Hydrin, AmLactin) 12% cream or lotion

 

Relieves itching and aids healing of skin in mild eczemas and dermatoses; itching skin, minor wounds, and minor skin irritations. Lactic acid is an alpha-hydroxy acid with keratolytic properties.

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Keratolytic Agents

Class Summary

Cause cornified epithelium to swell, soften, macerate, and then desquamate.

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Salicylic acid topical (Salex)

 

By dissolving the intercellular cement substance, produces desquamation of the horny layer of skin while not affecting structure of viable epidermis.

Hydrate skin and enhance effects of medication by soaking affected area in warm water for 5 min prior to use. Remove any loose tissue with brush, washcloth, or emery board and dry thoroughly.

Improvement generally occurs in 1-2 wk. Maximum resolution expected after 4-6 wk.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC  Associate Clinical Professor of Medicine, Division of Dermatology and Cutaneous Sciences, Director of Dermatology Residency Program, University of Alberta Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry; Founder and Director, Acne Clinics of Canada, Inc; Teledermatologist, Telederm Canada, Inc

Jaggi Rao, MD, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Canadian Dermatology Association, Canadian Medical Association, Canadian Medical Protective Association, Pacific Dermatologic Association, and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Andrei I Metelitsa, MD, FRCPC  Assistant Clinical Professor, Section of Dermatology, University of Calgary Faculty of Medicine, Canada

Andrei I Metelitsa, MD, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Society for Dermatologic Surgery, American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery, Canadian Dermatology Association, and Canadian Medical Protective Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Andrew Lin, MD, FRCPC  Associate Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta

Andrew Lin, MD, FRCPC is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology and Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

James W Patterson, MD  Professor of Pathology and Dermatology, Director of Dermatopathology, University of Virginia Medical Center

James W Patterson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American College of Physicians, American Society of Dermatopathology, Royal Society of Medicine, Society for Investigative Dermatology, and United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Richard P Vinson, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Dermatology, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Paul L Foster School of Medicine; Consulting Staff, Mountain View Dermatology, PA

Richard P Vinson, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, Association of Military Dermatologists, Texas Dermatological Society, and Texas Medical Association

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Jeffrey Meffert, MD  Assistant Clinical Professor of Dermatology, University of Texas School of Medicine at San Antonio

Jeffrey Meffert, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology, American Medical Association, Association of Military Dermatologists, and Texas Dermatological Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE  Medical Director, Clinical Studies Unit, Assistant Professor, Department of Dermatology, Associate Scholar, Center for Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of Pennsylvania

Joel M Gelfand, MD, MSCE is a member of the following medical societies: Society for Investigative Dermatology

Disclosure: AMGEN Consulting fee Consulting; AMGEN Grant/research funds Investigator; Genentech Grant/research funds investigator; Centocor Consulting fee Consulting; Abbott Grant/research funds investigator; Abbott Consulting fee Consulting; Novartis investigator; Pfizer Grant/research funds investigator; Celgene Consulting fee DMC Chair; NIAMS and NHLBI Grant/research funds investigator

Chief Editor

Dirk M Elston, MD  Director, Ackerman Academy of Dermatopathology, New York

Dirk M Elston, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Dermatology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Nearly perfectly round, slightly hyperkeratotic, hyperpigmented, asymptomatic plaque on the trunk.
Classic histology for pityriasis rotunda demonstrating mild hyperkeratosis and a reduced granular layer in the epidermis.
 
 
 
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