A rare condition causing intense and usually widespread reddening of the skin due to inflammatory skin disease

Often precedes or is associated with exfoliation - AKA exfoliative dermatitis

Causes:

• Drug eruption
• pre existing skin conditions
  • Psoriasis - especially after withdrawl of Tx
  • Dermatitis - Especially atopic dermatitis (more common in children)
  • Pityriasis rubra pilaris
  • eczema
• Erythroderma may be a sign of haeamtologic malignancy, HIV, GVHD

Pathophysiology: Increased turnover of epidermal cells (keratinocytes, lymphocytes) and interaction with adhesion molecules and cytokines

PC

• Generalised erythema and oedema
• Warm to touch skin
• Eyelid swelling may result in ectropion
• Lichenification and scaling

Investigations

*Investigate underlying cause

• Labs
• Biopsies may be taken if unknown cause
• Direct immunofluorescence