How Is Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris Treated?

Immunosuppressants

Immunosuppressants are a class of medication that suppresses the immune system. The inflammatory response in pityriasis rubra pilaris is partly attributed to an overactive immune response. By inhibiting the immune system, the body is flooded with fewer inflammatory chemicals, which leads to less pain and discomfort. Typically, a dermatologist would prescribe a retinoid before using immunosuppressants.

Retinoids have fewer potential side effects, but immunosuppressants are a good option for patients who cannot take retinoids, or patients for whom retinoids no longer work. Immunosuppressants do weaken the overall immune system, so the patient's body may become more susceptible to illness and infection. These medications are so good at suppressing harmful immune responses that they're also used to lower the risk of rejection after an organ transplant.

Biologic Therapies

Though there have been limited studies regarding the treatment's effectiveness, some patients may benefit from biologic therapies. This isn't a mainstream treatment for pityriasis rubra pilaris, but it has shown promise. Studies regarding the direct effect of biologic drugs on pityriasis rubra pilaris are limited because of the disease's rarity. However, there has been research done regarding the effect on psoriasis, which presents with very similar symptoms. Biologics are protein-based drugs created from cultures of living cells in a laboratory.

Rather than suppressing the entire immune system, biologics target only specific portions of the immune system. Different biologics target different aspects of the immune system based on whatever part is causing problems. The biologics for psoriasis block certain proteins and immune cells from developing, which play a major role in the development of psoriasis symptoms. Similar treatments could be used to block the development of pityriasis rubra pilaris symptoms without compromising the entire immune system.