Erythroderma (ED) refers to a general scaling of a minimum of 90% of the patient's skin surface. It is also known as generalized exfliative dermatitis and erythrodermatitis, while the scaling process itself is sometimes referred to as scaling erythematous dermatitis. In circumstances where the underlying medical cause cannot be found (idiopathic erythroderma), the condition is sometimes called red man syndrome.


Causes and risk factors:

Erythroderma typically has certain factors and causes behind its cases, which may include:

Age of 40+
Atopic dermatitis
Contact dermatitis
Drug reactions
Eczema
Hereditary ichthyosis
Hodgkin's disease
Mycosis fungoides (a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma)
Pemphigus foliaceus (fogo selvagem)
Psoriasis
Seborrheic dermatitis
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome


Symptoms:

Erythroderma symptoms may vary in any given case of the condition. Certain symptoms may include:

CD4+ T-cell lymphocytopenia
Edema (swelling)
Fluid loss
Heat loss
High-output cardiac failure
Hypoalbuminemia
Hypothermia
Immune response alteration
Muscle loss (wasting)
Raised basal metabolic rate
Transpiration

Diagnosis:

A diagnosis of erythroderma is made by a doctor or medical professional. Typical means may include blood tests, lymph node examination, patch testing, and skin bioposy.


Treatment and Prognosis:

Treatment for erythroderma depends upon the underlying disease or medical condition. Erythroderma patients are considered to be at higher risk for developing a case of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, such as Sezary syndrome or mycosis fungoides, and should continue follow ups with a medical professional.