Pityriasis amiantacea: a distinctive presentation of psoriasis associated with tumour necrosis factor-α inhibitor therapy.
Pityriasis amiantacea (PA; also known as tinea amiantacea) is a relatively rare but distinctive scalp condition characterized by thick scales that adhere to each other and to the hair shaft, resulting in agglomeration and matting of hair. Temporary alopecia is a common complication. Although a specific cause remains unclear, PA is associated with several inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. We present a case of PA as a complication of underlying psoriasis, which developed during tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor therapy for Crohn disease. This paradoxical cutaneous reaction to anti-TNF-α therapy has been recently described as an emerging and perplexing cause of psoriasis and psoriasiform eruptions.
Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
J
J
Ettler
D A
DA
Wetter
M R
MR
Pittelkow
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003424:Crohn Disease / Q000188:drug therapy; D003875:Drug Eruptions / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010915:Pityriasis / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012536:Scalp Dermatoses / Q000139:chemically induced*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D055815:Young Adult
D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha