Exfoliative Dermatitis is a severe condition that is characterized by progressive severe inflammation of the skin, leading to generalized erythema and scaling. In about 25% of all cases, the cause of exfoliative dermatitis is unknown or it is never discovered. However, most exfoliative dermatitis occurs as a result of secondary infection from an underlying skin condition. Psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis are pre-existing conditions that have been known to cause exfoliative dermatitis.

 

Other causes are; as preceding signs and symptoms of lymph node cancer (lymphoma), complication from another skin condition or as a result of severe reaction to drugs like Penicillin and Phenylbutazone.

 

Exfoliative Dermatitis Symptoms

The inflammation usually starts suddenly with a patchy or generalized eruption of erythematous (redness). Other signs and symptoms may include;

 

 

Exfoliative Dermatitis Diagnosis

The diagnosis of Exfoliative Dermatitis is based on the physical examination of the affected skin.

 

Exfoliative Dermatitis Treatment

The kind of treatment given depends on the underlying cause and all treatment options are individualize, depending on the; 

 

In severe cases, patients may need to be hospitalized and to placed on bed rest for effective monitoring.

 

Exfoliative Dermatitis treatments usually involve use of antibiotics, fluid replacement via intravenous and nutritional support. In some instances, if the patient is not responding to other conservative therapies, oral and parenteral corticosteroids to reduce itching (pruritus) may be prescribed. The administration of plasma volume expanders may also be indicated incase there is significant loss of blood (hemorrhage) through the skin.

 

Other non pharmaceutical management include;