How Is Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris Treated?

Oral Retinoids

While a topical treatment option is a favored way to reduce symptom discomfort, many patients also benefit from additional oral medication. Additional medicines are particularly important for individuals with large areas of affected skin. The first medicines used are generally oral retinoids, which are commonly prescribed when topical medication alone can't fully control the condition.

The medication slows the rapid growth of skin cells, which helps reduce the amount of scaling and skin thickening in patients. In addition, the medication reduces swelling and redness throughout the body, rather than focusing on just one patch of skin. An oral retinoid is often prescribed with other inflammatory skin conditions and scaling skin conditions. Most commonly, the treatment is used for psoriasis patients.