Erythroderma occurs when 90% or more of the skin surface of the body is red and scaly.
It appears as a complication of another skin disease, as a reaction to medication, as a manifestation of cancer and in up to 25% of cases the cause is not discovered.
It manifests as hardened, bright red, itchy plaques that slowly grow until they coalesce and occupy a large part of the body surface. These reddened areas are accompanied by desquamation, generally in areas of flexion of arms and legs.
Diagnosis is made by examination of the skin and questioning to identify the cause.
Treatment should include proper nutrition, correction of water and electrolyte imbalance, maintenance of skin barrier function, use of antihistamines to treat itching and antibiotics if secondary bacterial infection is suspected.
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