|
Erythroderma is known as exfoliative dermatitis and the red man syndrome. It can spread to the entire body. The color of the skin becomes red in color and that is why it is also known as Red Man Syndrome. The skin, nail and hair may shed due to this disease. When it is severe in nature, it may cause fever, shivering, hypothermia, reactive lymphadenopathy, peripheral edema, hypoalbuminemia, and cardiac failure.
Erythroderma can be benign or malignant in some cases. If the cause of Erythroderma is not identifiable, it may take longer to cure the disease. It is not a disease by itself, but it is the extension of some underlying skin disease. If a patient has previous history of skin disease, he is more prone to getting erythroderma. Person suffering from HIV or cancer is also more likely to get erythroderma because of his or her weak immune system. The patient often experiences peeling of the skin before the disease occurs or along with the disease. In that case, it is called exfoliative dermatitis. The incidence of Erythroderma is more prevalent in men than women.
Causes erythroderma –
Erythroderma may occur due to:
- Certain drugs like penicillin, barbiturates, isoniazid, phenytoin and sulfonamides
- Psoriasis
- In case of cancer of the lymph nodes
Symptoms of Erythroderma -
Erythroderma may occur at once or it may be gradual. The disease worsens over a period of time. The entire body turns red, and becomes thick. A person suffering from Erythroderma suffers from severe itching.
- There could be swelling in the lymph nodes.
- Patches are formed on the skin.
- Ridges appear on the nails. They may become thick and brittle and may shed.
- Leads to an increased rate of pulsation
- Fever.
- May develop malignant tumors in internal organs of the body for example in the fallopian tubes, colon etc.
Treatments for Erythroderma -
Treatment for Erythroderma may include:-
- Corticosteroids may be applied to the skin or may be administered through mouth to provide relief from the swelling and redness.
- Antihistamines may be given when the itching is severe.
- Cool compresses are pressed on the skin. Creams, such as Vaseline or Eucerin, are applied to the skin to avoid drying of the skin.
- The antibiotics used for Erythroderma may lead to stomach upset, diarrhea , and an allergic reaction.
Preventive Measures for Erythroderma -
- Maintain personal hygiene. Keep the skin clean. Antibacterial soap can be used. Use mild moisturizer to prevent the skin from drying. Dry skin can cause more itching. Do not scratch.
- Avoid walk in sun. This may make the skin dry and cause irritation of the skin.
- Maintain a healthy diet to improve your immunity. Eat protein rich diet.
- Emollients have proved effective in treating erythroderma.
- Drink plenty of water. Is throws away toxins from the body.
- Eat fruits with high water content such as grapes, oranges, muskmelon and watermelon.
Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis) is not a contagious disease and hence do not pose risk to others.
|
