Editor’s Note: After four years of asking questions about PRP, the efforts of dermatopathologists remains an enigma. I have asked questions but the words I hear are like those spoken by adults in a Charlie Brown cartoon. All I hear is “Wah wah wah wah wah wah.” That’s when I feel like Snoopy. The following […]
What happens to the biopsy sample? Read More »
Editor’s Note: A skin biopsy is routinely performed in the dermatologist’s office. Preparation ❏½ Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to medications, and especially if you have had any reactions to local anesthetics, such as lidocaine or novocaine, or to iodine cleaning solutions, such as Betadine.44. ❏½ Inform your doctor if you are
How is a biopsy performed? Read More »
An accurate diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris requires a proper skin biopsy. ❏½ A skin biopsy is the most common and also the most essential procedure performed by a dermatologist in day-to-day practice. It is safe and easy, with not only diagnostic purpose, but also has significant therapeutic value. It is performed as an office
What are the risks associated with a skin biopsy? Read More »
No special preparation is needed before having a skin biopsy. Before a skin biopsy, Talk to your doctor about any concerns you have regarding the need for the test, its risk, how it will be done, or what the results will mean. Tell your doctor if you: ❏½ Are taking any medicines, particularly anti-inflammatory medicines
What should the patient know about biopsies? Read More »
There are three main types of skin biopsies: shave, punch and excision. According to PRP patients and caregivers, shave biopsies and punch biopsies are the types used as a PRP diagnostic tool. SHAVE BIOPSY ❏½ A doctor uses a tool similar to a razor to remove a small section of the top layers of skin
What are the types of skin biopsies Read More »
The answer is simple. In most cases, the biopsy is the missing piece of the puzzle. A proper diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris is based on the clinical observations of a dermatologist and the supporting report of a dermatopathologist. A skin biopsy is part of the diagnostic process. The additional information obtained from the biopsy
Why have a skin biopsy? Read More »
A skin biopsy is a procedure in which a sample of skin tissue is removed, processed, and examined under a microscope. ❏½ A skin biopsy is usually undertaken using a local anaesthetic injection into the skin to numb the area. ❏½ After the procedure, a suture or dressing may be applied to the site of
What is a skin biopsy? Read More »
Editor’s Note: The long-term prognosis for PRP is not set in stone. There are some guidelines that dermatologists feel comfortable in treating as Gospel. Suffice it to say that there has been insufficient research to be able to predict when Type 1, 3 and 5 will “run it’s course.” Adult Onset PRP Type 1 –
What is my long-term outlook based on Type? Read More »
It has been estimated that only one in 20 dermatologists will diagnose or treat pityriasis rubra pilaris during their professional careers. While that estimate may be totally bogus, we can say without fear of contradiction that very few dermatologists will consider themselves PRP savvy. There are at least four reasons to seek out a PRP-savvy
How do I find a PRP-savvy dermatologist? Read More »
There is no cure for PRP. Therefore, the goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms. According to the National Organization of Rare Diseases: “PRP tends to follow a natural waxing and waning course, with episodes in which there is periodic worsening (exacerbation) or cessation (remission) of symptoms.” Source: https://rarediseases.org/rare-diseases/pityriasis-rubra-pilaris/ From the PRP perspective, there
What are the treatment options for PRP? Read More »