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Pityriasis amiantacea: a distinctive presentation of psoriasis associated with tumour necrosis factor‐α inhibitor therapy
Author(s) -
Ettler J.,
Wetter D. A.,
Pittelkow M. R.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical and experimental dermatology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.587
H-Index - 78
eISSN - 1365-2230
pISSN - 0307-6938
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2230.2011.04286.x
Subject(s) - psoriasis , medicine , dermatology , scalp , complication , pityriasis rubra pilaris , adalimumab , disease , pathology , surgery
Summary Pityriasis amiantacea (PA; also known as tinea amiantacea) is a relatively rare but distinctive scalp condition characterized by thick scales that adhere to each other and to the hair shaft, resulting in agglomeration and matting of hair. Temporary alopecia is a common complication. Although a specific cause remains unclear, PA is associated with several inflammatory diseases such as psoriasis and seborrhoeic dermatitis. We present a case of PA as a complication of underlying psoriasis, which developed during tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α inhibitor therapy for Crohn disease. This paradoxical cutaneous reaction to anti‐TNF‐α threapy has been recently described as an emerging and perplexing cause of psoriasis and psoriasiform eruptions.