What is "pityriasis amiantacea"?
Pityriasis amiantacea
Pityriasis amiantacea is not a diagnosis. Rather it is a phenomenon that sometimes happens to the skin and hairs during the process of inflammation.
The finding of pityriasis amiantacea is often seen in patients with psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and various eczemas.
The photo to the right is a magnified photo of the scalp of a patient with "pityriasis amiantacea" from psoriasis.
Treatment includes identifying the root cause. Treatment such as topical steroids, steroid injections, anti dandruff shampoos, salicylic acid, tar all play a role in treatment.
This article was written by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a Canadian and US board certified dermatologist specializing exclusively in hair loss.