Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Pronounced: Air-ree-throw-derm-ick Sor-eye-ah-sis

Erythrodermic Psoriasis: Clinical Manifestations

Erythrodermic Psoriasis is a generalized form of the disease, which covers 85% or more of the body, with which patients can be systemically ill. Erythrodermic psoriasis can appear suddenly or evolve from chronic Plaque Psoriasis, occasionally following initiation of exacerbating medications (such as Lithium or beta-blocking agents), or rapid systemic corticosteroid tapering.

What does it look like?

Erythrodermic Psoriasis most commonly appears on people who have unstable Plaque Psoriasis, where the lesions are not clearly defined. The skin has large, red and fiery patches. Severe itching, swelling and pain may accompany the skin as it reddens and sheds.

Are there serious complications?

Erythrodermic psoriasis can disrupt the body's ability to control its temperature, protein loss, and can lead to severe illness. In severe cases, people with this type of psoriasis may need to be hospitalized if they have lost a lot of fluid, have an infection or have poor blood flow (circulation).
This can be life threatening.

Treatment

Topical agents are useful in treating erythrodermic psoriasis as adjunctive agents:

Emollients
Coal Tar and Anthralin
Topical Steroids
Calcipotriene

Systemic modalities (internal treatments) are often required for erythrodermic psoriasis. These may be used on a rotational basis or in combination:

Phototherapy
Methotrexate
Acitretin
Systemic Corticosteroids
Cyclosporine A

The SkinCell Forum has many members who suffer from psoriasis. In the forum we concentrate on the treatment and reduction of this skin disease.

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Last Update: December 30, 2006