Pityriasis rubra pilaris and HIV: a diagnostic challenge-case report and critical review of the literature

Mónica M. Pérez-García; Camila Ortuz-Lessa; Sarahi Amador-Eleuterio; Arely L. Gallegos-Ramos

doi:10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250740

Authors

Mónica M. Pérez-García Department of Dermatology, Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City, Mexico
Camila Ortuz-Lessa Department of Dermatology, Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City, Mexico
Sarahi Amador-Eleuterio Department of Dermatology, Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City, Mexico
Arely L. Gallegos-Ramos Department of Dermatology, Hospital General de México “Dr. Eduardo Liceaga”, Mexico City, Mexico

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2320-6012.ijrms20250740

Keywords:

Auto immune deficiency syndrome, Devergie's disease, HIV, Lichen ruber pilaris, Lichen acuminatus, Lichen ruber acuminatus, Type VI pityriasis rubra pilaris

Abstract

Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare cutaneous disorder characterized by hyperkeratotic follicular papules and palmoplantar keratoderma. Its clinical presentation ranges from mild to severe forms, including erythroderma. There are six types of PRP. Type VI is associated with HIV, presenting with a more severe and challenging course. This variant can occur in HIV-positive patients regardless of their CD4 T cell count. This article provides a detailed review of the pathogenesis, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, differential diagnosis and therapeutic options of PRP, with an emphasis on its HIV-associated form. An illustrative clinical case is presented, analyzing the underlying pathogenesis and treatments used. Furthermore, these findings are compared with those reported in the literature to provide a broader perspective on how this disease affects immunocompromised patients.

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