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Exfoliative dermatitis
Erythroderma; Dermatitis exfoliativa; Pruritus - exfoliative dermatitis
Exfoliative dermatitis is widespread scaling , peeling, and flaking of the skin. It is often accompanied by, itching, skin redness (erythroderma), and hair loss.
Scaling
Scales are a visible peeling or flaking of outer skin layers. These layers are called the stratum corneum.
Causes
This condition may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. It is sometimes caused by an allergy to drugs or another body-wide disease.
Treatment
A person with severe symptoms often needs hospital care, at times in an intensive-care burn unit. This is needed in order to monitor fluid loss through the skin.
References
Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ. Erythroderma. In: Bolognia JL, Schaffer JV, Duncan KO, Ko CJ, eds. Dermatology Essentials. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2014:chap 8.
Habif TP. Exanthems and drug eruptions. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 14.
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
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Skin layers - illustration
The skin is the largest organ of the body. The skin and its derivatives (hair, nails, sweat and oil glands) make up the integumentary system. One of the main functions of the skin is protection. It protects the body from external factors such as bacteria, chemicals, and temperature. The skin contains secretions that can kill bacteria and the pigment melanin provides a chemical pigment defense against ultraviolet light that can damage skin cells. Another important function of the skin is body temperature regulation. When the skin is exposed to a cold temperature, the blood vessels in the dermis constrict. This allows the blood which is warm, to bypass the skin. The skin then becomes the temperature of the cold it is exposed to. Body heat is conserved since the blood vessels are not diverting heat to the skin anymore. Among its many functions the skin is an incredible organ always protecting the body from external agents.
Skin layers
illustration
Review Date: 1/31/2016
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
