Erythroderma Flashcards
1
Q
What is erythroderma?
A
A clinical state of inflammation/redness of all/nearly all of the skin. Sometimes called exfoliative dermatitis, but dermatitis is not alway present
2
Q
What are common causes of erythroderma?
A
- Atopic eczema
- Psoriasis
- Drugs
- Seborrhoeic eczema
- Idiopathic
3
Q
What drugs can cause erythroderma?
A
- Sulphonamides
- Gold
- Sulfonylureas
- Penicillin
- Allopurinol
- Captopril
4
Q
What are features of erythroderma?
A
Widespread erythema affecting >/= 90% of the body
- Skin feeling ‘tight’/itchy.
- Longstanding - hair loss, ectropion of the eyelids and even nail shedding.
- Systemic symptoms - malaise, pyrexia, widespread lymphadenopathy
5
Q
What are complications of erythroderma?
A
- High-output cardiac failure from increased blood flow
- Hypothermia from heat loss
- Fluid loss by transpiration
- Hypoalbuminaemia
- Increased basal metabolic rate
- ‘Capillary leak syndrome’
6
Q
What is the most severe complication of erythroderma?
A
Capillary leak syndrome
7
Q
What is capillary leak syndrome?
A
Inflammed skin releases large quantities of cytokine that cause generalised vascualr leakage. This can cause cutaenous oedema and acute lung injury
8
Q
How would you manage erythroderma?
A
Discuss with dermatologist
- Treat cause
- Keep very warm
- Monitor vital signs regularly, particularly fluid balance
- Correct biochem and albumin changes
- Swabs - screen for secondary skin infection.
- Bed rest
- Bland emollient/mild topical steroid
- Stop all non-essential drugs
