What is erythroderma?
Generalised redness of the skin that involves all, or nearly all (usually 90%) of the skin’s surface
What can cause erythroderma?
- Eczema
- Psoriasis
- Lymphoma and leukaemia
- Drugs
- Idiopathic
- Rare causes
What types of eczema can cause erythroderma?
- Atopic
- Seborrhoeic
- Contact allergic
What drugs can cause erythroderma?
- Sulphonamides
- Isoniazid
- Penicillin
What are the rare causes of erythroderma?
- Dermatomyositis
- Pityriasis
What is a risk factor for erythroderma?
Male
At what speed doe erythroderma spread?
Quickly
How may the patient feel in erythroderma?
- Hot to touch
- Feels cold themselves
What can happen to skin in erythroderma after 2-6 days?
Scaling and thickening of the skin
What can happen to the scalp in erythroderma after a few weeks?
Thickening and loss of hair
What can happen to nails in erythroderma?
Thickening, ridge appearance and loss
What can happen to the lymph nodes in erythroderma?
Lymphadenopathy
What may aid the diagnosis of erythroderma?
Biopsy
What will be required to find the underlying cause of erythroderma?
A thorough work up including FBC and peripheral blood film to look for abnormal cells
How should a presentation of erythroderma be treated?
As a medical emergency and discussed with a dermatologist
When will a patient with erythroderma need admitting?
If they are systemically compromised or are high risk e.g. elderly, living alone etc.
What does management of erythroderma include?
- Topical steroids
- Large quantities of emollients
- Stopping all non-essential medications
What must be considered when using topical steroids in erythroderma?
Skin barrier function is compromised so there is larger amounts of absorption
What are the potential complications of erythroderma?
- Secondary bacterial infection
- Dehydration
- Impaired thermoregulation and hypothermia
- Cardiac failure
- Overwhelming infection
- Protein loss and oedema
- Death
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Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome27
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Generalised Pustular Psoriasis28
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Eczema Herpeticum17
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Stevens-Johnson Syndrome45
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Urticaria30
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Pityriasis Versicolor20
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Scabies34
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Dermatophytosis25
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Erysipelas16
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Cellulitis23
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Molluscum Contagiosum32
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Erythroderma19
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Rosacea28
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Folliculitis21
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Shingles55
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Actinic Keratosis39
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Bowen's Disease34
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Impetigo37
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Viral Warts31
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Necrotising Fasciitis64
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Molluscum Contagiosum COPY32
