Papulosquamousdisorders are a diverse group of unrelated skin conditions. These disorders are only categorized together for one reason: They all cause red to purple, raised patches of scales on the skin that have well-defined borders.
Some of the most common papulosquamous disorders include psoriasis,lichen planus, and medication reactions. These and other skin issues that fall under this umbrella not only have different root causes, but different treatments, too.
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Recognizing Papulosquamous Scales
Papulosquamous skin disorders cause papules (red, raised bumps) andplaques(a flat, thickened area of skin) that are flaky or scaly. These patches may or may not itch.
The defining characteristic of papulosquamous disorders, however, is the sharp, distinct border of these lesions.
Other tests, such as a skin biopsy, blood tests, or skin scrapings, may also be needed to pinpoint the cause.
It is important to have your healthcare provider take a look at any rash that you develop so that you can get a correct diagnosis and learn how to effectively treat it.
Nine Common Skin Rashes (with Pictures)
Types of Papulosquamous Disorders
While papulosquamous disorders all have the same distinct look, each has a different cause and treatment.
Examples of papulosquamous disorders include:
Psoriasis
Psoriasisis probably the most well-known papulosquamous disorder. It is also the most common. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disorder that causes skin cells to build up at an abnormal rate. Plaque psoriasis is the most common, but there are many differenttypes of psoriasis.
This skin condition is chronic, and it can’t be cured. It can be managed, however, with the right medications and self-care.
Seborrheic Dermatitis
Seborrheic dermatitisis a chronic inflammatory skin condition that commonly affects the scalp. It can cause red and greasy patches or scales on the skin, along with yellowish scales and dandruff.
The exact cause of this condition is unknown. Experts believe that an overgrowth of a type of yeast that lives on the skin known asMalasseziais a probable cause.
This papulosquamous disorder is typically treated with over-the-counter (OTC) shampoos and creams. A healthcare provider may prescribe antifungal creams and shampoos or a topicalcorticosteroidfor more severe cases.
Lichen Planus
Until it does, it is often treated with topical corticosteroids to help relieve itching. Licen planus is not contagious.
Parapsoriasis
Though the name sounds similar to psoriasis, parapsoriasis is a different condition, mostly affecting adult males.
There are two types of parapsoriasis: small plaque parapsoriasis (SPP) and large plaque parapsoriasis (LPP), with LPP being considered a premalignant dermatosis (potentially cancerous).
Diagnosis of this papulosquamous disorder can be difficult, but usually requires a skin biopsy. Treatment may include corticosteroids and phototherapy.
Drug Eruptions
Skin rashes can also be caused when you have a reaction to a medication. Drug eruptions usually appear within the first two weeks of starting a new medication. These rashes are typically very itchy.
If you develop a rash after starting a new medication, let your healthcare provider know immediately.
Pityriasis Rosea
What makes this particular papulosquamous disorder unique is the appearance of a herald patch—a circular to oval spot that typically appears on the trunk. A widespread rash develops after that.
Pityriasis rosea does go away on its own, generally within two months. Anti-itch creams or hydrocortisone can help relieve itching until it’s gone.
Secondary Syphilis
Syphilis can be cured with antibiotics.
Tinea Corporis (Ringworm)
Discoid Lupus
Discoid lupusis a form of lupus that primarily affects your skin. It is an autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack your skin.
With discoid lupus, a chronic, widespread, inflammatory rash is common. It can be effectively treated although not cured.
Treatments for this papulosquamous disorder include topical corticosteroids, and topical calcineurin inhibitors (pimecrolimus cream or tacrolimus ointment).
Nummular Eczema
Nummular eczema, also called discoid eczema, is a specific type of eczema that causes round, coin-shaped lesions. Unlike common eczema, the lesions of nummular eczema are very distinct.
This papulosquamous disorder is extremely itchy. Topical medications can help get the rash under control, but once you’ve had it, you’re more likely to experience another breakout.
A Word From Verywell
Papulosquamous disorders are diverse and distinct. Because they can resemble one another, it’s important that you see your healthcare provider in order to get a definitive diagnosis.
Once your skin condition is identified, your healthcare provider can help you create an effective treatment plan to help manage your specific skin condition.
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Parapsoriasis.Additional ReadingClin Geriatr Med.2001 Nov;17(4):739-68, vii.Papulosquamous disorders of the elderly.van Voorhees A1,Vittorio CC,Werth VP.Dermatol Ther.2003;16(3):231-42.Papulosquamous diseases in the elderly.Norman RA1,Blanco PM.Adolesc Med State Art Rev.2011 Apr;22(1):157-68.Papulosquamous disorders: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nickel contact dermatitis.Treadwell PA1.Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology (Sixth Edition)2019, Pages 113-1349 - Scaling Papules, Plaques, and PatchesMarks JG Jr, Jeffrey J, MillerMDhttps://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-43040-1
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Parapsoriasis.Additional ReadingClin Geriatr Med.2001 Nov;17(4):739-68, vii.Papulosquamous disorders of the elderly.van Voorhees A1,Vittorio CC,Werth VP.Dermatol Ther.2003;16(3):231-42.Papulosquamous diseases in the elderly.Norman RA1,Blanco PM.Adolesc Med State Art Rev.2011 Apr;22(1):157-68.Papulosquamous disorders: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nickel contact dermatitis.Treadwell PA1.Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology (Sixth Edition)2019, Pages 113-1349 - Scaling Papules, Plaques, and PatchesMarks JG Jr, Jeffrey J, MillerMDhttps://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-43040-1
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Parapsoriasis.
Borda LJ, Wikramanayake TC.Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff: a comprehensive review.J Clin Investig Dermatol. 2015;3(2):10.13188/2373-1044.1000019. doi:10.13188/2373-1044.1000019
National Eczema Association.Seborrheic dermatitis.
American Osteopathic College of Dermatology.Parapsoriasis.
Clin Geriatr Med.2001 Nov;17(4):739-68, vii.Papulosquamous disorders of the elderly.van Voorhees A1,Vittorio CC,Werth VP.Dermatol Ther.2003;16(3):231-42.Papulosquamous diseases in the elderly.Norman RA1,Blanco PM.Adolesc Med State Art Rev.2011 Apr;22(1):157-68.Papulosquamous disorders: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nickel contact dermatitis.Treadwell PA1.Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology (Sixth Edition)2019, Pages 113-1349 - Scaling Papules, Plaques, and PatchesMarks JG Jr, Jeffrey J, MillerMDhttps://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-43040-1
Clin Geriatr Med.2001 Nov;17(4):739-68, vii.
Papulosquamous disorders of the elderly.
van Voorhees A1,Vittorio CC,Werth VP.
Dermatol Ther.2003;16(3):231-42.
Papulosquamous diseases in the elderly.
Norman RA1,Blanco PM.
Adolesc Med State Art Rev.2011 Apr;22(1):157-68.
Papulosquamous disorders: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and nickel contact dermatitis.
Treadwell PA1.
Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology (Sixth Edition)
2019, Pages 113-134
9 - Scaling Papules, Plaques, and Patches
Marks JG Jr, Jeffrey J, MillerMD
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-43040-1
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