Dermoscopy as a diagnostic aid in pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta

We report on three patients with PLEVA, highlighting the correlations between the clinical, dermoscopic and histological features seen. Observation of the dermatoscopic findings, such as punctate or glomerular vessels and erythematous globules surrounding a homogeneous orange or crusty central area, may allow for a rapid diagnosis, avoiding the need for invasive techniques. Diagnosis of pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta (PLEVA) is based on the characteristic pattern of lesions in different stages of development, ranging from erythematous maculopapules to papules with a crusted and/or necrotic centre. However, it may raise the differential diagnosis with other entities. It is therefore not uncommon to have to perform skin biopsies to reach a diagnosis, including in infants. In this study, we report the cases of three patients with PLEVA, highlighting the correlations between the clinical, dermoscopic and histological features. Observation of the dermatoscopic findings described, such as punctate or glomerular vessels and erythematous globules surrounding a homogeneous orange or crusty central area, may allow for a rapid diagnosis, avoiding the need for invasive techniques.