Differential diagnosis of pityriasis rubra pilaris includes the following: Seborrheic dermatitis (in children) Psoriasis (when disease occurs on the scalp, elbows, and knees) Treatment of Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris Symptom relief (eg, with emollients, topical lactic acid and topical corticosteroids, or oral retinoids) Treatment of pityriasis rubra pilaris is exceedingly difficult and empiric.