Pityriasis Leichenoides et Variolaformis Acuta (PLEVA), also called Mucha Habermann's disease, is a rare condition that affects the skin, causing clusters of small, itchy bumps to form on the upper torso and extremities (hands and arms). Often misdiagnosed as scabies, little is known about the causes, treatments and cures for PLEVA. Read on to learn which treatments can be effective in combating this condition.
Instructions
1. Visit your family physician or dermatologist to obtain a definitive diagnosis. Since little is know about the causes of PLEVA, misdiagnosis can occur. PLEVA can present and mimic the symptoms of other skin conditions, so proper diagnosis can take some time (see Resources below).
2. Expose skin to natural sunlight (without burning). Although scientifically unproven, it has been shown to help clear up PLEVA in several instances.
3. Apply topical steroid ointments. Topical steroids (corticosteroids) come in varying strengths, with the highest potency formulas only available through prescription. This treatment works as an anti-inflammatory agent, but will not cure PLEVA. The stronger, prescribed formulas should only be applied to affected areas, and different parts of the body have different absorption rates.
4. Take oral antibiotics prescribed by your doctor or dermatologist. Erythromycin and Tetracycline are the most commonly prescribed types, which work by acting as an anti-inflammatories, reducing new blood vessel formation and apoptosis (programmed cell death).
