Surgical Management of Cicatricial Ectropion in Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is an idiopathic, papulosquamous dermatological disease. It is clinically and histologically distinct from, but may resemble, psoriasis. Pityriasis rubra pilaris can be self-limiting but may also run a protracted, relapsing course. Medical treatment may involve topical emollients, systemic retinoids, methotrexate, and/or tumor necrosis factor antagonists. Ocular complications include cicatricial ectropion. The authors describe the surgical management of 3 patients with cicatricial ectropion secondary to pityriasis rubra pilaris. All patients had procedures involving skin grafts; 1 patient required multiple operations. The management principles are discussed, including the role and timing of surgery, within the context of emerging treatments for pityriasis rubra pilaris. Patients with pityriasis rubra pilaris and cicatricial ectropion should be closely managed by both ophthalmologist and dermatologist. The eyelid position may improve with conservative or surgical measures. If surgery is required, the limitations of skin grafting under these circumstances should be anticipated and patients counseled appropriately.