3. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic Psoriasis

This PatientPlus article is written for healthcare professionals so the language may be more technical than the condition leaflets. You may find the abbreviations list helpful.

Synonyms: psoriatic erythroderma, erythroderma psoriatica

Erythroderma refers to a generalised redness of the skin. It involves all, or nearly all (usually stated as at least 90%) of the skin's surface.[1] It may arise as a result of many inflammatory skin conditions such as eczema, drug eruptions, malignancies. Psoriasis is the most common cause of erythroderma in adults.[2] Erythrodermic psoriasis usually occurs in two contexts:[3]

  • In the setting of known, progressively worsening chronic plaque psoriasis.
  • It may be precipitated by infection, tar, drugs, or withdrawal of corticosteroids. It is then considered to be part of the spectrum of unstable psoriasis.

Very occasionally, it can be the first presentation of psoriasis.

Erythroderma is a dermatological emergency: the generalised erythema signals skin failure which can be complicated by a number of serious problems (see Complications, below). It can be fatal and requires urgent inpatient management.[4]

  • The whole skin is red and hot with the dermatological characteristics of psoriasis often lost - scale is usually finer and flakier than the classic silvery, coarse scale of psoriasis.
  • Pain and itching are usual and may be severe.
  • The patient is systemically unwell.

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Distinguish from other causes of erythroderma:

  • Eczema (contact, atopic, seborrhoeic).
  • Lymphoma, particularly Sézary's syndrome.
  • Drug eruption, eg allopurinol, gold, isoniazid, phenytoin, sulphonamides, sulphonylureas.
  • Pityriasis rubra pilaris.
  • Ichthyosiform erythroderma.
  • Diagnosis is clinical, based on the history and presentation.
  • Where the cause of the erythroderma is known to be psoriasis, investigations look for the presence of complications and their extent. So, in addition to the baseline observations, blood tests (eg FBC, U&Es, LFTs, inflammatory markers, blood cultures) are taken to look for renal failure, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia and infection. Additionally, efforts will be made to identify any triggers.

Following emergency admission, management will require skilled nursing care and include:

  • Bed rest in a warm room (30-32°C).
  • Emollients and cool, wet dressings.
  • Treatment of complications.
  • Nutritional support.

There is a dearth of high-quality evidence on which to base treatment decisions:[5]

  • Topical tar therapy and phototherapy should be avoided in the early phases of treatment.
  • Retinoids have also been reported to induce this condition.[6]
  • Corticosteroid treatment is tricky: subsequent withdrawal may worsen the clinical state but, sometimes, this is the only effective treatment for the acute episode.
  • Ciclosporin and infliximab are the most rapid-acting agents, with acitretin and methotrexate the slower-acting first-line choices.
  • Combination therapy may be more effective but this remains unproven.
  • Dehydration.
  • Impaired thermoregulation and hypothermia.
  • Cardiac failure.
  • Overwhelming infection.
  • Protein loss and oedema.
  • Anaemia (loss of iron, vitamin B12 and folate).
  • Lymphadenopathy.
  • Death.

Prognosis is variable: where there is pre-existing, extensive plaque psoriasis, treatment is usually well-tolerated and the prognosis is good; however, with unstable psoriasis, the course is often prolonged, relapses are frequent and there is an associated mortality.

There are no specific preventative measures other than optimising the management of any pre-existing psoriasis and avoiding precipitants identified above.

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Further reading & references

  1. Meier M, Sheth PB; Clinical spectrum and severity of psoriasis. Curr Probl Dermatol. 2009;38:1-20. Epub 2009 Jul 28.
  2. Rym BM, Mourad M, Bechir Z, et al; Erythroderma in adults: a report of 80 cases. Int J Dermatol. 2005 Sep;44(9):731-5.
  3. Langley RG, Krueger GG, Griffiths CE; Psoriasis: epidemiology, clinical features, and quality of life. Ann Rheum Dis. 2005 Mar;64 Suppl 2:ii18-23; discussion ii24-5.
  4. Diagnosis and management of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis in adults; Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network - SIGN (October 2010)
  5. Rosenbach M, Hsu S, Korman NJ, et al; Treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis: from the medical board of the National J Am Acad Dermatol. 2010 Apr;62(4):655-62. Epub 2009 Aug 8.
  6. Ahdout J, Mandel H, Chiu M; Erythroderma in a patient taking acitretin for plaque psoriasis. J Drugs Dermatol. 2008 Apr;7(4):391-4.
Original Author: Dr Olivia Scott Current Version: Peer Reviewer: Dr Huw Thomas
Last Checked: 28/09/2011 Document ID: 9320  Version: 2 © EMIS

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. EMIS has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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