Psoriatic erythroderma

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Psoriatic Erythroderma[edit | edit source]

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Psoriatic erythroderma

Psoriatic erythroderma is a severe and rare form of psoriasis, characterized by widespread inflammation and exfoliation of the skin over large areas of the body. It is a type of erythroderma, which refers to an inflammatory skin condition that affects more than 90% of the body surface area.

Clinical Features[edit | edit source]

Patients with psoriatic erythroderma typically present with generalized redness of the skin, scaling, and shedding of the skin. The condition can be accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever, chills, and malaise. The skin may appear thickened and may have a shiny appearance due to the extensive inflammation.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

Psoriatic erythroderma is thought to result from an exacerbation of underlying psoriasis, where the immune system becomes overactive, leading to widespread skin inflammation. The exact mechanisms are not fully understood, but it involves a complex interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental triggers.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

The diagnosis of psoriatic erythroderma is primarily clinical, based on the characteristic appearance of the skin and the patient's history of psoriasis. A skin biopsy may be performed to rule out other causes of erythroderma, such as eczema or drug reactions.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Psoriasis Treatment and Differential Diagnosis

Treatment of psoriatic erythroderma involves both topical and systemic therapies. Topical treatments may include emollients and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation and moisturize the skin. Systemic treatments often involve the use of immunosuppressants such as methotrexate, cyclosporine, or biologic agents like TNF-alpha inhibitors.

Complications[edit | edit source]

Psoriatic erythroderma can lead to several complications due to the extensive skin involvement. These include dehydration, due to loss of fluids through the damaged skin, and increased risk of infections. The condition can also lead to hypothermia due to impaired thermoregulation.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD