Erythrodermic Psoriasis
Pronunciation: eh-rith-roh-DER-mik soh-RY-ah-sis
A severe, potentially life-threatening variant of psoriasis characterised by widespread erythema and scaling affecting more than 90% of the body surface area.
Full Definition
Erythrodermic psoriasis is an uncommon but medically urgent form of psoriasis in which intense inflammation and erythema cover virtually the entire body surface, typically defined as more than 90% BSA involvement. It can cause systemic complications including thermoregulatory failure, protein loss, and high-output cardiac failure. The condition may arise de novo or as a complication of abrupt withdrawal of systemic corticosteroids. Editors must hyphenate 'erythrodermic' when used as a compound modifier before a noun (e.g., 'erythrodermic psoriasis') but should not confuse the condition with erythroderma of other causes. It is distinct from generalised pustular psoriasis, which may coexist.
Usage
Usage note: Should not be shortened to 'erythroderma' alone in psoriasis documents, as this loses the diagnostic specificity.
In Context
- "The patient was admitted urgently with erythrodermic psoriasis following abrupt cessation of methotrexate." — Hospital admission summary
- "Erythrodermic psoriasis requires inpatient management and careful fluid balance monitoring." — Dermatology inpatient management protocol