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Living with Familial pityriasis rubra pilaris

A rare genetic skin condition with a salmon-colored scaly rash, bumps around hair follicles, and thick skin on the palms and soles.

Understanding Familial pityriasis rubra pilaris

Familial pityriasis rubra pilaris is a rare genetic skin condition that causes a scaly, reddish rash.

The rash is salmon-colored with fine scales, in patches over the body with clear skin between. People also get bumps around hair follicles (follicular keratoses). The palms and soles often become thick and hard (palmoplantar keratoderma). Skin problems usually start at birth or in early childhood and last throughout life.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list a separate symptom list. Its summary describes:

  • Salmon-colored scaly rash in patches
  • Bumps around hair follicles (follicular keratoses)
  • Thick, hard skin on palms and soles
  • Skin problems from birth or early childhood

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in CARD14 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

Care & treatment

Care team
Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Children's Skin Disease Foundation
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Should I have genetic testing for the CARD14 gene?
What skin care or treatments could help with the rash?
Which type of pityriasis rubra pilaris do I have?

Quick facts

GenesCARD14

Changes in the CARD14 gene cause it.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: hereditary pityriasis rubra pilaris; prp

Patient organizations

Broader rare-disease groups

Source: NIH GARD · Familial pityriasis rubra pilarisGARD ID 24612 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Familial pityriasis rubra pilaris.

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