2022 Volume 21 Issue 2 Pages 103-107
A-71-year-old Japanese man was referred to our department because of slightly pruritic eruptions on the face for 2 months. Clinically, scaly erythematous macules and vesicles were scattered on the face, trunk, and extremities. We diagnosed as pityriasis rubra pilaris type 1 based on histopathological examination and clinical findings. The eruptions persisted despite topical application of corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues ; however, additional oral administration of etretinate and cyclosporine improved his symptoms. Recurrent lesions developed after stopping administration of etretinate and cyclosporine. The lesions improved after oral administration of apremilast, a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, with topical corticosteroids and vitamin D3 analogues for 5 weeks. Apremilast may be an effective drug for pityriasis rubra pilaris type 1 via antiinflammatory reaction, even though the possibility of spontaneous disappearance may remain. More accumulated case series are needed to confirm the efficacy of phosphodiesterase inhibitors for pityriasis rubra pilaris type 1. Skin Research, 21 : 103-107, 2022
