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What is Erythrodermic Psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition. The disease is characterised by the rapid build-up of skin cells, causing inflammation and scaling on the skin’s surface.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis is very rare type of Psoriasis. It causes a deep red rash and the skin peels off in large pieces. Erythrodermic Psoriasis often covers large sections of the body at once.

Causes

Doctors are unclear as to the exact underlying cause of Pustular Psoriasis. However, the two general factors are:
•   Immune System: Psoriasis is an autoimmune condition. Autoimmune conditions are the result of the body attacking itself. In the case of Pustular Psoriasis, white blood cells known as T cells mistakenly attack the skin cells. This causes the skin cell production process to go into overdrive and develop too quickly.
•   Genetics: Some people inherit genes that make them more likely to develop Pustular Psoriasis. If you have an immediate family member with the skin condition, the risk for developing Pustular Psoriasis is higher.

Persons are more likely to get Erythrodermic Psoriasis if you already have Plaque Psoriasis. Erythrodermic Psoriasis can also be triggered by the following factors:
•   If you suddenly stop taking your oral psoriasis medication
•   Alcoholism
•   Drug reaction
•   HIV
•   Oral steroid medicine
•   Severe sunburn
•   Stress

Symptoms

Erythrodermic Psoriasis symptoms differ from person to person and depend on the severity of disease you have. Erythrodermic Psoriasis not only affects the skin, it can disrupt your overall body chemistry. It can lead to wild temperature swings in your body. This may cause fluid retention that leads to swelling.

Common symptoms of Erythrodermic Psoriasis include:
•   Severe skin redness over a large part of the body
•   Skin shedding that occurs in large sheets rather than smaller flakes or scales
•   Pustules or blisters
•   Burnt-looking skin
•   Severe itching
•   Intense pain
•   Increased heart rate
•   Fluctuations of body temperature
•   Joint pains and swelling

Diagnosis & Treatment

Erythrodermic Psoriasis is diagnosed by a Doctor using a physical examination. If the symptoms are unclear, or if your doctor wants to confirm their suspected diagnosis, they may conduct a biopsy.

There is currently no known cure for Erythrodermic Psoriasis. Treatments aim to reduce inflammation and blisters as well as slow the growth of skin cells. Psoriasis treatments fall into three main categories:
•   Topical treatments
•   Systemic medications
•   Light therapy using ultraviolet (UV) or natural light

Additional Information

If a person notices any symptoms of Erythrodermic Psoriasis, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention, because severe life-threatening complications can occur.

Erythrodermic Psoriasis isn’t contagious. Touching a Psoriatic lesion on another person won’t cause you to develop the condition.

Also see: Psoriasis