Drug eruptions and erythroderma

Erythroderma, also known as generalized exfoliative dermatitis, manifests as widespread scaling and erythema of most of the body's cutaneous surface. Other than an apparent predilection for males, the disease occurs no more or less commonly in any other specific subsets of the population. Its etiology is highly variable, although the most common cause is a drug eruption, flare of a pre-existing dermatologic condition or lymphoma or other cancer. It may occur secondary to systemic use or topical application of the medication. Other causes may include infections, particularly in immunocompromised patients, excessive exposure to solar radiation while taking photosensitive drugs, and malignancy. Erythroderma is potentially life threatening, due to the severe associated hemodynamic and metabolic complications. The diagnosis of this disease is made clinically. Histological findings tend to be non-specific. Treatment of hemodynamic instability should be given precedence to reduce mortality, followed by rapid identification of the underlying cause of disease, as this relates directly to the prognosis of the condition as well as the likelihood of resolution from cessation of the offending agent or treatment of the underlying disease.