ADAM Health Encyclopedia

Exfoliative dermatitis

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Exfoliative dermatitis

Definition

Exfoliative dermatitis is widespread scaling of the skin, often with itching (pruritus), skin redness (erythroderma), and hair loss. It may occur in severe cases of many common skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, and allergic reactions.

A person with erythroderma or exfoliative dermatitis often needs hospital care or admission to an intensive-care burn unit.

Alternative Names

Erythroderma; Dermatitis exfoliativa

Habif TP. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:491.

Rakel RE, ed. Textbook of Family Practice. 6th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2005:491.


Skin layers

Review Date: 2/5/2008
Reviewed By: Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Associate, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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