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What Is Erythrodermic Psoriasis?

Although erythrodermic psoriasis is not common at all, people who do get it end up with probably the most serious symptoms. Your entire body can be affected when you get erythrodermic psoriasis; the skin appears to have been burned and it may be accompanied with other symptoms. The skin can feel as if it itches or as though it is being burned. It may start peeling, there could be changes in overall body temperature and a person can even experience an increase in their heart rate. If you experience similar symptoms, then it is important that you seek immediate medical attention because there is a very good chance that you will need to be hospitalized. There are severe illnesses that you could suffer because of the fluid and protein loss caused by this condition.

What Is It?cream for erythrodermic psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is an inflammatory skin condition that generally affects most of the surface of the body. Often it happens with von Zumbusch pustular psoriasis. It is one of the least commonly occurring types of psoriasis, only 1-2% of people will develop it. Most often it happens to those with unstable plaque psoriasis which is when lesions are not defined clearly.

More Serious Results

With this type of psoriasis there are even more serious things that can affect you when in concurrence with the condition. Infections are one of the most common and can be the most severe. Some people will also develop pneumonia which needs to be treated immediately to prevent it from getting out of control. The worst possible result from erythrodermic psoriasis is congestive heart failure. While these serious results can be prevented with early medical treatment, they do happen and should be evaluate by both the doctor and the patient. That is why you need to see a doctor the moment that the symptoms start showing up.

What Causes Erythrodermic Psoriasis?

One important thing to know about erythrodermic psoriasis is what the triggers that can lead to the condition are. People who are receiving systemic psoriasis treatment, and who stop the treatments suddenly are more likely to see the condition. An allergic reaction to a drug may also be a trigger. That is why you should know what drugs you may be allergic to and make sure that you tell your doctor when prescription medication is necessary. Medicines like anti-malarial drugs, lithium, strong coal tar or cortisone need to be observed closely as they can also trigger psoriasis. Finally other triggers could be severe sunburns, and also infections. These are the common triggers and it is a good idea to know which one affected the patient so that the doctor can proceed accordingly.

Treatment

The treatment of erythrodermic psoriasis can include several steps. There will be prescriptions that the patient needs to take to control the condition, as well as other steps that are done while in hospital care. Bed rest will be one of the necessary steps, and a lot of times while in bed there will be cooling of the area using wet dressings. Antibiotics will also be used for a portion of the treatment. While in the hospital, a lot of times the temperature will be regulated by using intravenous fluids. It is very important to follow the treatment step by step so that there is no spread of the condition and that is why hospital treatment is usually the best. Typically erythrodermic psoriasis treatment will also include avoiding exposure to sun, avoiding certain foods or foods that are believed to be triggered, and supplementing medication with creams, foams or sprays to relieve and manage symptoms.