Erythroderma

Question 1

What is Erythroderma?

Causes?

Answer 1

"Derm Emergency"
Widespread reddening of >90% of skin. Inflammation:
Eczema
Psoriasis
Drug
Lymphoma

Idiopathic (aka “red man syndrome”)

Potentially serious, even life threatening.
Skin can later exfoliate.

Question 2

Complication and treatment of Erythroderma?

Answer 2

Think “skin failure”:

Heat loss - hypothermia
Fluid loss - electrolytes and dehydration
Red skin - high output heart failure
Secondary skin infection - impetigo, cellulitis
Protein loss - oedema
Its a catabolic state.

Rx:
Admit, fluids, warmth, topical emollients, topical steroids etc, nutrition, monitor for infection, antihistamines for itch