Differential Diagnosis of Erythroderma in Adults

Erythroderma is a reactive, inflammatory skin disorder which could result from almost all inflammatory, some infectious and some malignant diseases. In adults, the commonest causes for erythroderma are psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and drug reactions. Rarer causes include sarcoidosis, dermatomyositis, hypereosiniphilic syndromes, etc. In case the trigger remains unidentified, the erythroderma is defined as idiopathic. The diagnostic and therapeutic approach depends on elucidation of the underlying condition. Even though this might be challenging, there are several clinical and laboratory characteristics to lead the clinician to the correct diagnosis.