Review of Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Abstract

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare variant of psoriasis in which more than 75% of the patient's skin is inflamed and scaling. Patients with this condition can experience fevers, chills, malaise, and pruritus. Patients also have abnormal lab values that reflect the water and protein loss from the intense desquamation. In most cases, the histologic findings are consistent with those of classic plaque psoriasis. Systemic treatment recommendations include cyclosporine or biologics for severe, acute cases and acitretin or methotrexate for less severe cases. The prognosis for patients with this condition varies, but S. aureus colonization and subsequent bacteremia is more common in these patients and should be monitored carefully and treated promptly.