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Exfoliative Dermatitis - Exfoliative Dermatitis information
What is Exfoliative Dermatitis?
A preexisting dermatosis is the cause of exfoliative dermatitis in up to 63% of cases, including psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, pityriasis rubra pilaris, and seborrheic dermatitis. Reactions to topical or systemic drugs (eg, sulfonamides) account for perhaps 20-40% of cases and cancer (cutaneous T cell lymphoma, Sézary syndrome) for 10-20%. Causation of the remainder is indeterminable. At the time of acute presentation, without a clear-cut prior history of skin disease or drug exposure, it may be impossible to make a specific diagnosis of the underlying condition, and diagnosis may require observation.
Causes Exfoliative Dermatitis
Exfoliative Dermatitis can be caused as the result of
- many inflammatory skin conditions,
- drugs and
- malignancies
- due to psoriasis.
Sign and Symptom of Exfoliative Dermatitis
Symptoms may include itching, weakness, malaise, fever, and weight loss. Chills are prominent. Redness and scaling may be generalized and sometimes include loss of hair and nails. Generalized lymphadenopathy may be due to lymphoma or leukemia or may be part of the clinical picture of the skin disease (dermatopathic lymphadenitis). The mucosa is spared.
What are the treatments for Exfoliative Dermatitis?
Home treatment is with cool to tepid baths and application of mid-potency steroids under wet dressings or with the use of an occlusive plastic suit. If the exfoliative erythroderma becomes chronic and is not manageable in an outpatient setting, hospitalize the patient. Keep the room at a constant warm temperature and provide the same topical treatment as for an outpatient.
Prognosis for Exfoliative Dermatitis
Most patients recover completely or improve greatly over time but may require chronic therapy. Deaths are rare in the absence of cutaneous T cell lymphoma. A minority of patients will suffer from undiminished erythroderma for indefinite periods.
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