Background:

Pityriasis rubra pilaris is an infrequent chronic papulosquamous disease in which there is a disorder of keratinization of the epidermis, characterized by hyperkeratotic follicular papules with a tendency to form salmon-colored, scaly plaques, with islands of healthy skin associated with palmoplantar keratoderma. It presents a bimodal distribution in the first and sixth decades of life, affecting both sexes equally. Its etiopathogenesis is unknown, an abnormal immune response has been postulated to different antigenic stimuli, as well as alteration of the metabolism of vitamin A. It has been classified into 6 types based on its presentation, age of onset, course and prognosis, being treated appropriately topical or systemic.

Clinical cases:

Two cases of 10 and 2 years of age are presented, with clinical manifestations corresponding to the circumscribed juvenile type, which is the most frequent in pediatric and classic juvenile age respectively, with compatible histopathology and excellent response to topical treatment.

Conclusions:

Although pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare pathology, it should be suspected if the clinical picture is suggestive and its histopathology is compatible. It should be considered that topical treatment may be sufficient to achieve resolution of the condition.