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Updated: Oct 8, 2026

Recognition of Epidermal Transglutaminase by IgA and Tissue Transglutaminase 2 Antibodies in a Rare Case of Rhesus Dermatitis
Published on: December 15, 2011
Childhood-onset pityriasis rubra pilaris with immunologic abnormalities
Insights
This study reports a case of pityriasis rubra pilaris in a child, identified by characteristic skin lesions and biopsy findings. Immunologic evaluation revealed altered T cell activity, suggesting a potential role in the condition.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Seborrheic dermatitis-like facial redness, scalp scaling, and palmoplantar keratoderma can present in pediatric patients.
- Pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) is a rare chronic disorder of keratinization.
Observation:
- A 6-year-old boy presented with facial redness, scalp scaling, and palmoplantar keratoderma.
- Skin biopsy revealed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, follicular plugging, and a mild perifollicular inflammatory infiltrate, consistent with PRP.
Findings:
- Peripheral B and T lymphocyte counts were normal.
- Immunologic studies indicated activated T suppressor cell activity and impaired T helper cell function.
Implications:
- This case highlights the dermatoscopic and histopathological features of pediatric PRP.
- Altered T cell function may contribute to the pathogenesis of pityriasis rubra pilaris.
- Further research into immunologic dysregulation in PRP is warranted.
Abstract:
We examined a 6-year-old boy with seborrheic dermatitis like redness of the face, scaling of the scalp, and palmoplantar keratoderma. Skin biopsy showed hyperkeratosis, parakeratosis, follicular plugging, and mild upper dermal perifollicular mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate, which are compatible with the diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris. Immunologic studies revealed normal values of peripheral B and T lymphocytes. The spontaneous activity of T suppressor cells was activated and the function of T helper cells was impaired, however.
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