Erythroderma

Question 1

Define erythroderma.

Answer 1

Erythroderma is a severe and potentially life-threatening inflammation of most of the body’s skin surface.

Question 2

What is the aetiology of erythroderma?

Answer 2

The cause is not well understood. It can be caused by:

A complication of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, or another skin condition

A reaction to medicines such as penicillin, barbiturates, or sulfonamide

Certain types of cancer such as lymphoma

Question 3

What are risk factors for erythroderma?

Answer 3

Preexisting skin condition

Presence of cancer

Question 4

Summarise the epidemiology for erythroderma?

Answer 4

Rare

It’s a symptom for SJS and TENS rather than a condition

Question 5

What are the signs and symptoms of erythroderma?

Answer 5

Very red skin all over the body

Scaly skin patches

Crusty lesions

Thickened skin

Itching

Spreading of red skin patches

Swollen lymph nodes

Fever

Malaise

Question 6

What are investigations for erythroderma?

Answer 6

Skin biopsy

U+Es

LFTs

FBC

Find underlying cause

Withdraw causative agent

Question 7

What is the management of erythroderma?

Answer 7

Antibiotics

IV fluids

NG tube feeding

Treat underlying cause

Question 8

What are the complications of erythroderma?

Answer 8

Secondary infection from a virus or bacteria

Loss of fluids and proteins through the damaged skin that can lead to dehydration and nutrition problems

Question 9

What is the prognosis of erythroderma?

Answer 9

Can be life threatening. Prognosis depends on skin surface affected.