Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 2, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Pityriasis Lichenoides Et Varioliformis Acuta?
A dermatologist usually treats PLEVA. A primary care doctor may be the first doctor a person sees and can refer them to a dermatologist. In a direct primary care practice, the patient pays a flat monthly fee instead of using insurance; concierge medicine works similarly but usually costs more. Because PLEVA is rare, these doctors usually refer the patient to a dermatologist.
What it is
Pityriasis lichenoides et varioliformis acuta, often called PLEVA, is a rare inflammatory skin condition that causes small, raised sores and can leave scars resembling chickenpox scars. It is the sudden, more intense form of pityriasis lichenoides; a milder, longer-lasting form is called pityriasis lichenoides chronica.
Symptoms
PLEVA causes small bumps or sores that appear in crops. The sores often turn into blisters or open areas, crust over, and heal, leaving small, light scars like chickenpox pits. The rash most often appears on the trunk, arms, and legs, and usually not on the face, palms, or soles. Some people have mild itching or burning; a smaller number feel unwell, with fever or swollen lymph nodes. The rash can last weeks to months.
Causes and who gets it
Doctors do not know exactly what causes PLEVA. Many experts believe it is an immune reaction, possibly triggered by an infection, but no single cause has been proven. It is not contagious. PLEVA is rare and is seen most often in children and young adults.
How doctors diagnose it
A dermatologist usually makes the diagnosis by examining the rash and its history. Because PLEVA can look like bug bites, chickenpox, or drug reactions, the doctor may order a skin biopsy, removing a small piece of numbed skin to examine under a microscope.
Treatment
Treatment varies, and there is no single cure. Some mild cases clear on their own. Doctors often start with topical steroids, creams that calm inflammation, or phototherapy, which uses controlled amounts of special light. For severe cases, oral antibiotics or immune-calming medicines may be considered. The rash often improves slowly over months.
When to see a doctor
Anyone who develops a rash that does not go away should see a doctor, especially if it spreads, forms blisters, is painful, or comes with fever. A person with PLEVA should contact a doctor if the sores become infected.
Common questions
Is PLEVA dangerous?
For most people, PLEVA is not dangerous. It mainly affects the skin and can be uncomfortable or leave small scars. A rare, severe form called febrile ulceronecrotic PLEVA causes fever and larger sores. It needs prompt medical care.
Is PLEVA contagious?
No. A person with PLEVA cannot pass it to family members, friends, or classmates. Doctors believe it starts inside the body as an immune reaction rather than spreading from person to person.
How long does PLEVA last?
It varies a lot. Some people clear within months. Others have a rash that comes and goes for years. Treatment can help ease symptoms, but results differ from person to person.
Will the sores leave scars?
PLEVA sores often leave small, light scars that look like chickenpox scars. Treating the rash early may reduce irritation, but scarring cannot always be prevented. A dermatologist can talk about options for the appearance of healed skin.
Sources
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center - Acute lichenoid pityriasis
- National Organization for Rare Disorders - Mucha Habermann Disease
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
