ErythrodermaSymptoms, Doctors, Treatments, Advances & More
Learn About Erythroderma
Erythroderma is widespread redness of the skin. It is accompanied by scaling, peeling, and flaking of the skin, and may include itching and hair loss.
Exfoliative dermatitis; Dermatitis exfoliativa; Pruritus - exfoliative dermatitis; Pityriasis rubra; Red man syndrome; Exfoliative erythroderma
Erythroderma may occur due to:
- A reaction to medicines or some chemicals, such as phenytoin and allopurinol
- Complication of other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis
- Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma
Sometimes the cause is unknown. It is more common in males.
Symptoms may include any of the following:
- Redness over 80% to 90% of the body
- Scaly skin patches
- Thickened skin
- Skin is itchy or painful with an odor
- Swelling of the arms or legs
- Fast heart beat
- Loss of fluids, leading to dehydration
- Loss of temperature regulation by the body
There may be secondary infections of the skin.
Since erythroderma can quickly lead to serious complications, your provider will start treatment right away. This usually involves strong doses of steroid medicines to reduce inflammation.
Other treatments may include:
- Medicines to treat the underlying cause of erythroderma
- Antibiotics for any infection
- Dressings applied to the skin
- Ultraviolet light
- Correction of fluid and electrolyte balance
Martine Bagot practices practicing medicine in Paris, France. Ms. Bagot is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erythroderma. She is also highly rated in 43 other conditions, according to our data. Her clinical expertise encompasses Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), T-Cell Lymphoma, Sezary Syndrome, Mycosis Fungoides, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
Denis Miyashiro practices practicing medicine in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Miyashiro is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erythroderma. He is also highly rated in 9 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Exfoliative Dermatitis, Erythroderma, Mycosis Fungoides, and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
Reading Dermatology Associates PC
Jason Hendrix is a Holistic Medicine specialist and a Family Medicine provider practicing medicine in West Lawn, Pennsylvania. Mr. Hendrix is rated as an Advanced provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erythroderma. He is also highly rated in 23 other conditions, according to our data. His clinical expertise encompasses Warts, Scabies, Seborrheic Keratosis, and Actinic Keratosis. Mr. Hendrix is board certified in American Osteopathic Board Of Family Physicians.
In serious cases, the person needs to be treated in the hospital.
Complications may include:
- Secondary infections that can lead to sepsis (bodywide inflammatory response due to infection)
- Fluid loss that can result in dehydration and an imbalance of minerals (electrolytes) in the body
- Heart failure
Contact your provider right away if:
- Symptoms get worse or do not get better, even with treatment.
- You develop new lesions.
The risk for erythroderma may be reduced by following your provider's instructions on skin care.
Published Date: January 28, 2026
Published By: Ramin Fathi, MD, FAAD, Director, Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, Phoenix, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
Calonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD. Spongiotic, psoriasiform and pustular dermatoses. In: Calonje E, Brenn T, Lazar AJ, Billings SD, eds. McKee's Pathology of the Skin. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 6.
James WD. Papulosquamous, pustular and keratotic disorders. In: James WD, ed. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2026:chap 11.
Whittaker S. Erythroderma. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 10.