Erythroderma: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Erythroderma?
A dermatologist, a doctor who treats skin problems, usually treats this condition. It can quickly cause serious problems. Treatment starts right away, and serious cases are treated in the hospital. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is erythroderma?
Erythroderma is widespread redness of the skin. The skin also scales, peels, and flakes. It may itch, and hair may fall out.
It is also called exfoliative dermatitis. Exfoliative means the skin sheds in flakes.
It can be life-threatening, so it needs prompt medical care.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include any of these:
- Redness over 80% to 90% of the body.
- Scaly skin patches.
- Thickened skin.
- Skin that is itchy or painful, and that may have an odor.
- Swelling of the arms or legs.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Loss of body fluids, which can cause dehydration (too little water in the body).
- Trouble keeping body heat steady.
The skin can also get infections.
Causes and who gets it
It often happens as a result of another health problem. Causes include:
- A reaction to some drugs or chemicals, such as phenytoin (for seizures) and allopurinol (for gout).
- Another skin problem, such as eczema (itchy, red skin) or psoriasis (scaly patches).
- Some types of cancer, such as lymphoma, a cancer of the lymph system.
- Other illnesses, such as some infections.
Sometimes the cause is unknown. It is more common in males.
How doctors diagnose it
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. The skin exam may use a dermatoscope, a small tool that magnifies the skin.
Most of the time, the exam shows the cause. If needed, your doctor may order tests such as:
- A skin biopsy (a small piece of skin is checked under a microscope).
- Allergy tests.
- Other tests to find the cause.
Finding the cause can still be hard. The signs and lab results do not point to just one cause.
Treatment
This condition can quickly cause serious problems, so treatment starts right away. It usually involves strong steroid medicines. Steroids calm swelling and irritation (inflammation).
If a medicine is the cause, your doctor will have you stop that medicine, and the skin often clears quickly after that. Never stop a medicine on your own, because your doctor must decide.
Other treatments may include:
- Medicines to treat the underlying cause.
- Medicines called antibiotics, for any infection.
- Dressings applied to the skin.
- Ultraviolet light (a type of light therapy).
- Fixing the body's balance of fluids and electrolytes (minerals in the body).
Serious cases need treatment in the hospital. Problems that can happen include:
- Infections that can lead to sepsis (a bodywide reaction to infection).
- Dehydration and unbalanced body minerals.
- Heart failure.
When to see a doctor
This condition can quickly cause serious problems. See a doctor right away if your skin turns red and scaly over much of your body.
Contact your doctor right away if your symptoms get worse. Call also if they do not get better, even with treatment, or if you develop new lesions (new patches of damaged skin).
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain that lasts two minutes or more, fainting, or sudden confusion.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can examine you, review your medicines, and help you reach a skin doctor. Serious cases need hospital care, which a primary care office cannot give.
Common questions
Is erythroderma serious?
Yes. It can quickly cause serious problems, and it can be life-threatening. Serious cases need treatment in the hospital.
What causes erythroderma?
It has several possible causes. They include reactions to medicines. Skin problems, such as eczema and psoriasis, can cause it. So can some cancers, such as lymphoma. Sometimes the cause is never found.
Is erythroderma the same as exfoliative dermatitis?
Yes. Another name for it is exfoliative dermatitis.
Can erythroderma be prevented?
It may be possible to lower the risk. Following your provider's instructions on skin care may reduce the risk.
Sources
- MedlinePlus - Erythroderma
- StatPearls (NCBI Bookshelf) - Exfoliative Dermatitis
- National Library of Medicine (PubMed Central) - Erythroderma: A Retrospective Study of 212 Patients Hospitalized in a Tertiary Center in Lower Silesia, Poland
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
