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Exfoliative dermatitis

Contents of this page:

Illustrations

Skin layers
Skin layers

Alternative Names    Return to top

Erythroderma; Dermatitis exfoliativa

Definition    Return to top

Exfoliative dermatitis is widespread scaling of the skin, often with itching (pruritus), skin redness (erythroderma), and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.

A person with erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis often needs hospital care or admission to an intensive-care burn unit.

References    Return to top

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:491.

Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:491.

Update Date: 2/5/2008

Updated by: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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