Dermatology
Erythroderma
Generalised erythema + scaling >90% body surface — recognise life-threatening complications, identify cause, supportive care.
Source: BAD; UK Dermatology
Step 1 of ~3
info
Recognise + Causes
Erythroderma: erythema + scaling involving ≥90% body surface area. Dermatological emergency — mortality up to 20%.
Causes (mnemonic ID-SCALP):
• Idiopathic.
• Drug eruption (sulphonamides, anticonvulsants, allopurinol).
• Sézary syndrome (cutaneous T-cell lymphoma).
• Contact / atopic / seborrhoeic dermatitis.
• Atopic dermatitis flare.
• Lymphoma (mycosis fungoides, Sézary).
• Psoriasis.
Features: erythema, scaling, oedema, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, fever.
Risks: hypothermia, dehydration, electrolyte loss, high-output cardiac failure, infection (cellulitis, sepsis), protein loss.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Brimonidine Gel (Topical) · Alpha-2 Agonist — Rosacea Erythema
- Factor IX Concentrate · Coagulation Factor Replacement — Haemophilia B
- Estradiol with progesterone · Combined HRT (body-identical oestrogen + micronised progesterone)
- Lissamine Green 1% Eye Drops · Vital Dye — Ocular Surface Staining (Dry Eye Diagnosis)
- Sodium hyaluronate · Ocular lubricant (hyaluronic acid)
- Medical-Grade Honey (Manuka) · Topical Wound Care Agent
Pathways
- Suspicious Pigmented Lesion — Melanoma Pathway · NICE NG14 2015 / BAD
- Cellulitis and Erysipelas · NICE NG141 2019 / CREST
- Psoriasis — Severity Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG153 2019 / BAD
- Atopic Eczema — Assessment and Step-Up Therapy · NICE NG95 2023
- Urticaria and Angioedema · BSACI / EAACI Guidelines 2022
- Acne Vulgaris — Grading and Treatment · NICE NG198 2021 / BAD
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.