Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Overview

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects about 85% of the body surface. It is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin. The reddening and shedding of the skin are often accompanied by severe itching and pain.

Patients having an erythrodermic psoriasis flare should make an appointment to see a doctor immediately. Erythrodermic psoriasis causes protein and fluid loss that can lead to severe illness. Swelling from fluid retention, especially around the ankles, may also develop along with infection. The body's temperature regulation is often disrupted, producing shivering episodes. Infection, pneumonia and congestive heart failure brought on by erythrodermic psoriasis can be life-threatening. People with severe cases of this condition often require hospitalization.

Known triggers of erythodermic psoriasis include sudden withdrawal of systemic treatment; the use of systemic steroids (cortisone); an allergic, drug-induced rash that brings on the Koebner response (a tendency for psoriasis to appear on the site of skin injuries); and severe sunburns.

Initial treatment usually includes medium-potency topical steroids and moisturizers, combined with wet dressings, oatmeal baths and bed rest. Antibiotics may also be used. Careful attention is paid to restoring and maintaining fluids in the body.

Most visited articles on Psoriasis

	Healing Psoriasis begins with your diet! You may be surprised to learn that what you eat can drastically affect the condition of your skin. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and their juices, plus whole grains may help to alleviate some of the discomfort associated with not only psoriasis, but other skin conditions as well, such as acne and Rosacea.
	Vitamin D-3 and the skin Although there is currently no proven cure for psoriasis, recent research indicates that there are numerous health benefits to vitamin D. Supplementation with D-3 provides relief from many inflammatory ailments and medical conditions. We believe these include psoriais, dermatitis, dandruff, eczema, rosacea and severe acne.
	Inverse Psoriasis Inverse psoriasis is found in skin folds such as the armpits, groin, under the breasts, around genitals and the buttocks. Inverse psoriasis is more common in people who are overweight and people with deep skin folds where friction and sweating occur.

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• Plaque Psoriasis
  Plaque psoriasis is the most typical form of this skin condition - 4 out of 5 people with psoriasis have plaque psoriasis. The technical or scientific name for plaque psoriasis is psoriasis vulgaris (vulgaris means "common").

• Pustular Psoriasis
  In pustular (PUHS-choo-ler) psoriasis, blisters of noninfectious pus appear on the skin. Attacks of pustular psoriasis may be triggered by medications, infections, stress, or exposure to certain chemicals.

• Scalp Psoriasis
  Scalp psoriasis is one of the most common types of psoriasis - it occurs in just over half of all people who suffer from psoriasis. Scalp psoriasis can range from mild, with slight fine scaling, to severe, with thick red plaques affecting the entire scalp..

How Can We Help?

At DermaHarmony, our goal is to help inform chronic skin care sufferers about their choices, if necessary improve choices, and then support you in any way we can. Our Program supports healthy skin with nutritional supplements, topical treatments and dietary guidance. To learn more about our programs, click here or call us toll-free at 1-800-827-3730. Our Support Desk is open 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. EST, Monday-Friday.

Our skin assessment is designed to help us get a better understanding of your symptoms and to make diet and lifestyle recommendations for you. It’s super easy and free and only takes about 5 minutes. Take our Skin Assessment.

Principal Authors: DermaHarmony Editorial Staff
Date of Publication: 03/13/2004
Updated: 08/26/2009/2007

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