Pityriasis rubra pilaris and human immunodeficiency virus infection

Recently, the occurrence of pityriasis rubra pilaris (PRP) has been reported in patients with HIV infection. It presents different clinical features, and has a poorer prognosis, than the classical adult type of PRP. We report the occurrence of severe PRP in an HIV-infected patient, and review the previously reported cases of this association. We propose the designation of a new category of PRP (type 6), characterized by the presence of HIV infection, usually without immunosuppression, a poor prognosis and response to treatment, and the development of nodulocystic and lichen spinulosus lesions.