Erythroderma

Definition

Erythroderma, is a skin disease characterized by intense, widespread reddening of the skin. The rate at which red blood cells settle out in a tube of blood under standardized conditions; a high rate usually indicates the presence of inflammation, also called erythrodermatitis. It may occur by excessive ultraviolet exposure or as a complication of topical therapy or systemical viral or bacterial disease. In psoriatic erythroderma, the skin is almost totally involved, with deep erythema, exfoliation, and associated abnormalities of temperature and cardiovascular regulation.

Causes of Erythroderma

• Stress, unexpressed anger and emotional disorders, including depression and anxiety are strongly associated with erythroderma.
• The bacterial or viral infection eg. streptococcal infections - tonsillitis, sinusitis are also one of the main causes of erythroderma.
• Dermatitis especially atopic dermatitis, may lead to the condition of erythroderma.
• Psoriasis, may causes skin infection, which in turn causes erythroderma.
• The diseases of the blister, such as - pemphigus and bullous pemphigoid, are the important factors of causing erythroderma.
• Severe exacerbations of previously stable chronic plaque psoriasis may be associated with erythroderma.
• Person's drinking a lot of alcohol daily, are at higher risk of developing erythroderma.
• The various skin disorders like eczema, hodgkin's disease, leukemia etc. may also lead to erythroderma.
• Drug reactions play important role in the formation of erythroderma.
• In the cold and dry weather condition, there are usually more chances to get affected by erythroderma.
• Low Calcium: A low calcium diet, may also induce erythroderma.

Symptoms of Erythroderma

Symptoms of Erythroderma includes:

• Feeling cold - despite having a fever.
• Dehydration, is a common symptom of erythroderma.
• Hypothermia.
• Red skin patches, is the first and foremost symptom seen in erythroderma suffering patients.
• Hyperkeratosis, may be seen in erythroderma case.
• Long-standing erythroderma is often associated with hair loss, ectropion of the eyelids and even nail shedding.
• During erythroderma, skin gradually becomes dry, rough and scaly.
• The acute renal failure may occur during erythroderma.
• Cardiac failure, high output.
• The level of uric acid will be raised in erythroderma suffering patients.
• Oozing and secondary infection may develop, if you are suffering from erythroderma.
• Skin thickening, peeling. flaking, may occur in erythroderma.
• Skin is moist, red, and tender at birth.
• Thick, generalized scaling occurs within a few days
• Pathology shows epidermolytic hyperkeratosis.

Treatment of Erythroderma

• One preventive measure that should be taken by all Erythroderma suffering patients - maintain skin moisture, avoid scratching, avoid precipitating factors.
• Topical Steroids are the primary category of medications used to treat erythroderma.
• Topical tar preparations and photo therapy should also be avoided in the early treatment of erythroderma.
• Emollients: Emollients are very effective for the treatment of erythroderma.
• Hospitalizationfor supportive care including intravenous fluids and temperature regulation.
• Bed rest is sometimes essential.
• Low-dose of methotrexate , ciclosporin or acitretin may also be beneficial for the treatment of erythroderma.
• Systemic or potent topical steroids: These steroids are very effective in curing erythroderma fast. But, these should be used very carefully and only under supervision of a renowned doctor.
• A sedative antihistamine may be a useful for itchy patients.
• Systemic Steroids may also be helpful in some cases of erythroderma.