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Living with Pityriasis lichenoides

A skin condition with small, raised pink spots that come in groups; it is not contagious and often clears on its own.

Understanding Pityriasis lichenoides

Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) is a skin condition that causes small, raised pink spots that tend to come together in groups.

It is not contagious. The acute form (PLEVA) begins suddenly and may itch or burn. The milder, longer-lasting form (PLC) is less irritating. Spots usually appear on the trunk, buttocks, arms and legs. A rare severe form comes with high fever. Most cases clear on their own within one to several months.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet. It describes these signs:

  • Small, raised pink spots in groups
  • Spots on the trunk, buttocks, arms and legs
  • Itching or burning (acute form)
  • Spots that fade, then new ones may appear

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

    Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
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 rare disease patient organizations for support
  • 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
Which type of pityriasis lichenoides do I have?
How long might my spots last, and could they return?
What can help with itching or burning?

Quick facts

GARD says the cause is not known. Ideas include a reaction to a bacterial or viral infection, or an unusual immune response to an unknown trigger.

Also known as: parapsoriasis en gouttes

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Pityriasis lichenoidesGARD ID 10265 · 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 Pityriasis lichenoides.

Explore the Pityriasis lichenoides blog

Explore research for Pityriasis lichenoides

Explore actively recruiting Pityriasis lichenoides studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Pityriasis lichenoides with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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