Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta: a disease spectrum.
Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA), or Mucha-Habermann disease (MHD), is a cutaneous disorder evident with crops of erythematous macules and papules, usually on the trunk and flexural areas of the extremities. Its etiology remains unknown. PLEVA is speculated to be an inflammatory reaction triggered by certain infectious agents, an inflammatory response secondary to T-cell dyscrasia, or an immune complex-mediated hypersensitivity. Histologic examination of a skin biopsy specimen is the standard for the identification of PLEVA, but definitive diagnosis may be difficult. Apart from the febrile ulcerative variant, which may be fatal, PLEVA tends to be self-limited in its course. Treatment is targeted mainly at the symptomatic relief of pruritus.
Fernandes
Neil F
NF
Dermatology, Pediatrics, and Pathology, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
Rozdeba
Paul J
PJ
Schwartz
Robert A
RA
Kihiczak
George
G
Lambert
W Clark
WC
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004917:Erythromycin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006633:Histamine Antagonists / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010789:Phototherapy; D017514:Pityriasis Lichenoides / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013752:Tetracycline / Q000627:therapeutic use; D055815:Young Adult
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D006633:Histamine Antagonists; D004917:Erythromycin; D013752:Tetracycline; D016559:Tacrolimus