Pityriasis rubra pilaris with eosinophilia in a young patient: a case report

Abstract

Introduction and importance: Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare inflammatory papulosquamous disorder which manifests in six clinical subtypes affecting both pediatric and adult populations. Presentation of case: A 14-year-old female presented with multiple itchy scaly lesions on her hands and legs which began as vesicles 9 days after birth. Histopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris. Further investigations revealed significant peripheral and tissue eosinophilia. The patient was treated with oral isotretinoin, which resulted in the resolution of the lesions. Case discussion: It is a rare inflammatory papulosquamous disorder characterized by palmoplantar keratoderma and follicular papules coalescing into distinct plaques characterized by a reddish-orange hue and nonadherent flaking scales. The patients with tissue and/or peripheral eosinophilia are usually older at presentation and more likely to have multisite disease. Our patient, in contrast, is a young female which makes this case noteworthy. Conclusion: This unusual finding of eosinophilia in a young patient underscores the necessity for further research and evaluation to enhance understanding of the pathophysiology of pityriasis rubra pilaris.