Parapsoriasis
What is Parapsoriasis?
Parapsoriasis refers to a group of skin conditions that resemble psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder that leads to a rapid proliferation of skin cells that accumulate and form red and bumpy patches on the skin covered by white scales. Parapsoriasis is generally divided into two types: small plaque parapsoriasis (SPP) and large plaque parapsoriasis (LPP). SPP is a benign condition which means the affected area does not become cancerous or invade adjacent tissue. However, LPP poses the risk of developing into cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that causes white blood cells to attack and damage the skin.
Parapsoriasis refers to a group of skin conditions that resemble psoriasis. Psoriasis is a skin disorder that leads to a rapid proliferation of skin cells that accumulate and form red and bumpy patches on the skin covered by white scales. Parapsoriasis is generally divided into two types: small plaque parapsoriasis (SPP) and large plaque parapsoriasis (LPP). SPP is a benign condition which means the affected area does not become cancerous or invade adjacent tissue. However, LPP poses the risk of developing into cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer that causes white blood cells to attack and damage the skin.
The prevalence of this condition is unknown. It mostly affects middle-aged individuals and males are more often affected than females.
The cause of parapsoriasis is not known. However, it has been suggested that it represents different stages of a spectrum of skin conditions from chronic dermatitis or the inflammation and irritation of the skin to cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
SSP skin lesions are often scaly patches that are yellow-brown to pink in color and have a round or oval shape. The size of these patches varies from 2-5 cm. SSP patches can be found on thighs, arms, and trunk. The patches usually increase in number for some time after the onset and remain stable afterward. LPP patches, on the other hand, are larger than 5 cm with mild scaling. They are red-brownish in color and have an irregular shape. LPP patches are often found in areas that are not typically exposed to the sun such as buttocks, lower back and lower abdominal area, and the chest.
The diagnosis of parapsoriasis is based on clinical evaluation and the appearance of the skin. Skin biopsies may also be performed to observe the microscopic appearance of the skin and also to rule our cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
A skin biopsy is often performed for the diagnosis of parapsoriasis. In a skin biopsy, a small piece of the skin is removed for further evaluation such as microscopic assessment.
Parapsoriasis is initially treated with corticosteroids applied directly to the skin. Corticosteroid drugs reduce inflammation in the body. In LPP, steroids may also be administered to further reduce the activity of the immune system. If these treatments do not succeed, then phototherapy may be considered. Phototherapy involves exposing the affected skin area to UV light to treat skin conditions and irritations.
The prognosis of parapsoriasis is unpredictable. In some individuals, the skin lesions clear completely and do not re-appear. In others, the condition might be resistant to treatment. SPP usually has a much less significant impact on the quality of life and a better prognosis than LPP which can develop into cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center. Parapsoriasis. 2014. Available from https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/diseases/7328/parapsoriasis
Duarte IA, Korkes KL, Amorim VA, Kobata C, Buense R, Lazzarini R. An evaluation of the treatment of parapsoriasis with phototherapy. An Bras Dermatol. 2013 Mar-Apr;88(2):306-8. doi: 10.1590/S0365-05962013000200028. PMID: 23739710; PMCID: PMC3750906.
Simon M, Flaig m, Kind P, Sander C, Kaudewitz P. Large plaque parapsoriasis: clinical and genotypic correlations. Journal of Cutaneous Pathology. 2000;27:57–60. https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600-0560.2000.027002057.x
Tasić S, Stojanović S, Poljacki M, Vucković N. Parapsorijaza malih plakova: prikaz slucaja [Small-plaque parapsoriasis: case report]. Med Pregl. 2001;54(5-6):278‐281.
Sehgal VN, Srivastava G, Aggarwal AK. Parapsoriasis: a complex issue. Skinmed. 2007;6(6):280‐286. doi:10.1111/j.1540-9740.2007.06490.x
Nag F, Ghosh A, Biswas P, Chatterjee G, Biswas S. Ichthyosiform large plaque parapsoriasis: report of a rare entity. Indian J Dermatol. 2013 Sep;58(5):385-7. doi: 10.4103/0019-5154.117314. PMID: 24082186; PMCID: PMC3778781.
Last updated 16 Jun 2020, 11:37 PM
16 Jun 2020, 11:37 PM
Hi everyone,
The parapsoriasis community details have been updated. We added more information about the cause, prevalence, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. Hopefully, you find it helpful.
Last updated 10 Apr 2014, 02:26 AM
10 Apr 2014, 02:26 AM
Thanks, Mahkus. I do have concern about the light therapy/skin cancer connection. Here's hoping that they'll find a real cure soon.
8 Apr 2014, 08:24 AM
Hi palmtree, I've had patches of parapsoriasis about thirteen years now. Took a few years to get it diagnosed properly. I've been to a Chinese doctor and got the acupuncture and herbs. That didn't make any difference. Also the topical steroids don't do anything for my patches either. I have tried different diets but it's hard to tell if they make a difference because they are hard to stick to 100%. The UV treatment is the only thing that's definitely worked for me. Stick to it and the light clears up the skin very well. The only trouble is the patches gradually come back after a few months. So I keep having the phototherapy every 18 months to 2 years. I don't know if they'll ever go away permanently.
5 Dec 2013, 03:41 AM
Hi! I've had an itchy rash since March 2013 that has now been diagnosed as parapsoriasis by punch biopsy. I am undergoing light therapy (phototherapy) with UV light at the present, and apparently this has had a good percentage of lessening of the rash. An acupuncturist suggested I watch my diet, and not being well disciplined in this department, I have some problem with it. So, one suggestion is to do a diet without milk products or bread, not to mention no sugary desserts. Has anyone else had some good results with anything besides the light therapy and topical steroids?
Last updated 12 Jun 2009, 09:58 PM
12 Jun 2009, 09:58 PM
Diese Frage stellte ich mir selbst vor einigen Monaten. Um mehr über meine Krankheit herauszufinden begab ich mich ins Internet und suchte nach Erklärungen, Gleichgesinnten, Behandlungsmethoden und Erfahrungsberichten. Verteilt fand ich auch einige Informationen, gleichzeitig stolperte ich aber auch immer wieder über die Frage nach Communities und Selbsthilfegruppen. Diese Frage blieb leider immer unbeantwortet. Tja was liegt also näher als selbst die Plattform für eine solche Community bereitzustellen und alle Betroffenen einzuladen sich hier auszutauschen. Daher möchte ich dich recht herzlich auf http://www.parapsoriasis.net einladen - die Community für Menschen mit ParaPsoriasis! Noch ist das Forum recht leer aber mit deiner Hilfe wird es sich rasch füllen, denn nur gemeinsam können wir mehr über unsere Krankheit herausfinden. Ich freue mich schon auf deine Beiträge! Vicente
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Created by RareshareTeam | Last updated 16 Jun 2020, 11:37 PM
Hello, I'm new here
Created by palmtree | Last updated 10 Apr 2014, 02:26 AM
Diagnose: Parapsoriasis - was tun?
Created by Vicente | Last updated 12 Jun 2009, 09:58 PM
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