Methotrexate treatment in a case of juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris

An 8-year-old boy who was initially diagnosed with plaque psoriasis failed management with topical therapies and skin biopsy confirmed the suspected diagnosis of juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP). Pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare inflammatory disorder of the skin characterized by follicular keratotic papules coalescing into plaques, along with palmoplantar keratoderma. Treatment modalities include topical and systemic therapies, although previous studies have not shown much benefit with methotrexate in children. We present a case in which methotrexate led to significant improvement of the skin findings in a child with type IV juvenile pityriasis rubra pilaris.