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:
- Complication of other skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis
- Reaction to medicines or some chemicals, such as phenytoin and allopurinol
- 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, the provider will start treatment right away. This usually involves strong doses of cortisone 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 in Paris, France. Ms. Bagot is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erythroderma. Her top areas of expertise are Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL), T-Cell Lymphoma, Sezary Syndrome, Mycosis Fungoides, and Bone Marrow Transplant.
Denis Miyashiro practices in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Mr. Miyashiro is rated as an Elite expert by MediFind in the treatment of Erythroderma. His top areas of expertise are Exfoliative Dermatitis, Erythroderma, Mycosis Fungoides, and Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (CTCL).
University Hospitals Medical Group Inc
Kord Honda is a Dermatologist in Cleveland, Ohio. Dr. Honda is rated as a Distinguished provider by MediFind in the treatment of Erythroderma. His top areas of expertise are Melanoma, Erythroderma, Nakajo-Nishimura Syndrome, and Stiff Skin Syndrome. Dr. Honda is currently accepting new patients.
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)
- 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.
Risk for erythroderma may be reduced by following the provider's instructions on skin care.
Published Date: February 15, 2024
Published By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, 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, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM. Pityriasis rosea, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and other papulosquamous and hyperkeratotic diseases. In: James WD, Elston DM, Treat JR, Rosenbach MA, Neuhaus IM, eds. Andrews' Diseases of the Skin. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 11.
Whittaker S. Erythroderma. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Cerroni L, eds. Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 10.