Pityriasis rubra pilaris, vitamin A and retinol-binding protein: a case study

A patient with longstanding erythroderma and decreased sweat secretion due to the classical adult form of pityriasis rubra pilaris is described. The patient did not respond to oral megadoses of Vitamin A, even though a large increase of liver content of Vitamin A was demonstrated. Retinol-binding protein levels in serum of this patient and his relatives were normal. Danazol (Danatrol, Winthrop) therapy caused an increase of retinol-binding protein level, but clinical improvement did not occur.