It results in the formation of a rash with red or brown, raised and scaly patches that can form scars. This condition cannot be termed as dangerous. This condition mostly affects males and generally begins during the first thirty years of life but it can start at any stage of life. The rashes formed can last for weeks to months. They disappear within one to two years of surfacing.

It is considered to be hypersensitivity reaction to a microorganism. Till now no specific virus or bacteria has been found out to be associated with this disease. It is not contagious. It generally occurs in adolescents and young adults. Rarely does this disease occur in infants and old age. In occasional cases the skin lesions are accompanied with mild headache and fever. The lesions can be found out on the thighs, trunk and the inner aspect of the upper arms. This disease rarely affects the face or scalp but it can be occur in any region of the body. A skin biopsy needs to be performed in order to confirm the diagnosis. It is a rare skin disorder which causes no harm to the general health.

The disease is of two types, the first one is pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta which occurs for a short period of time and generally occurs in children whereas the second type called pityriasis lichenoides occurs for a longer period of time.

Cause

The cause of this condition is unknown. The symptoms which appear in the childhood suggest that it might follow a virus infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of this disease include small rashes which are red brown in color and they appear to be raised. At times the bumps formed have a clear fluid inside them which breaks if left on their own. The size of the spots ranges from three to eighteen mm. They don’t cause any itching but if it does it should not be scratched as it could be infected. The rashes formed can last for a few weeks to a couple of months and they generally disappear within one to two years.

Treatment

One can control the disease but it cannot be cured. Application of corticosteroid creams and ointments can help in controlling itching and rashes. Antihistamines have also been found out to be effective in controlling itching. It has also been found out that UV light treatment helps in improving this condition.

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