Erythroderma

Abstract

Erythroderma is a descriptive term in which about 80-90% of the skin is inflamed. The common causes of erythroderma are drug eruptions, contact dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, ­psoriasis, malignancy, lichen planus, ichthyosiform erythrodermas, dermatophytosis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and pemphigus. There is an increase in blood flow to the skin, and the cardiac output increases; this is compensated in a normal healthy adult, but gives rise to cardiac and renal failure in susceptible patients. Patients with erythroderma often develop lymphadenopathy, secondary to cutaneous inflammation (dermatopathic lymphadenopathy).