Deriel Elka Hidayat, Dhany Prafita Ekasari, Diah Prabawati Retnani
Pityriasis lichenoides chronica (PLC) is a rare skin disorder that often resists treatment. Its etiology remains unclear but may involve triggers such as infections or medications that induce an inflammatory skin response. Recent studies have investigated treatment options for PLC, including narrowband ultraviolet B (NBUVB) phototherapy and systemic antibiotics like erythromycin. NBUVB delivers targeted anti-inflammatory effects to promote lesion clearance and minimize systemic side effects for localized conditions. Erythromycin, a macrolide antibiotic, has shown efficacy in PLC, particularly among pediatric patients, because of its anti-inflammatory mechanisms alongside antimicrobial activity. We describe a 16-year-old girl with PLC featuring erythematous papules across nearly her entire body for 2 years. Diagnosis relied on clinical history, physical examination, and histopathology. Topical corticosteroids proved ineffective. The patient then underwent combined NBUVB phototherapy and erythromycin therapy, with no side effects reported and notable lesion improvement. This dual approach offers a comprehensive strategy for PLC by targeting inflammation via NBUVB and addressing potential infectious elements with erythromycin. © 2026, Pakistan Association of Dermatologists. All rights reserved.
Department of Dermatology, Venereology and Aesthetics, Medical Faculty of Universitas Brawijaya, dr. Saiful Anwar Regional General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia; Department of Anatomical Pathology, Medical Faculty of Universitas Brawijaya, dr. Saiful Anwar Regional General Hospital, Malang, Indonesia
