Erythroderma
Pronunciation: eh-RITH-roh-DER-mah
A severe, generalised reddening and scaling of 90% or more of the body surface area, representing a dermatological emergency in paediatric patients.
Full Definition
Erythroderma (also termed exfoliative dermatitis) in paediatric patients is a potentially life-threatening condition characterised by widespread erythema and scaling involving virtually the entire skin surface. In neonates and infants, causes include severe seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, ichthyosis, and Netherton syndrome, among others. It results in impaired thermoregulation, protein loss, and increased infection risk. Editors should note that 'erythroderma' is written as a single unhyphenated word and should not be confused with 'erythema,' which denotes focal or localised redness.
Usage
Usage note: Do not hyphenate. Distinguish from 'erythema' (localised redness) in all editorial contexts.
In Context
- "The six-week-old infant was admitted with neonatal erythroderma; Netherton syndrome was confirmed on genetic testing." — Paediatric inpatient case note
- "Erythroderma must be distinguished from localised erythema in the history and examination section of any case report." — Paediatric dermatology case report