Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a dangerous type of psoriasis that affects a few people. The condition is rare, and you may not be able to tell what it is if you do not know the symptoms. Read on to find out the symptoms of this rare condition and what to do to manage it.

Symptoms

The main symptom of erythrodermic psoriasis is the presence of fiery red skin from your head to toe. Your skin will also be covered in scales, which are peeled off in large pieces.

You will also experience pain and itching, and tiny blisters (pustules) may also develop.

The symptoms may be sudden or develop over time. You may also experience:

• Swollen ankles
• Fever or chills
• Fast heartbeat
• Joint pain and so on

Why is This Form of Psoriasis Dangerous?

This form of psoriasis is dangerous because it works against your skin’s function. It does this by doing the opposite of what your skin does to protect your body.

For instance, your skin helps to hold moisture in, remove toxins and germs and control your body temperature.

Erythrodermic psoriasis works against this by drastically reducing your body temperature, which leads to hypothermia.

It also results in the loss of fluids and proteins that your body needs. When this happens, your heart will find it hard to pump enough blood, resulting in heart failure, shock and kidney failure.

What Causes Erythrodermic Psoriasis?

This form of psoriasis usually develops from plaque psoriasis. So, you are much likely to have the disease if you have plaque psoriasis. However, you can also have erythrodermic psoriasis if you’ve never had psoriasis in the past.

Other factors that may contribute to this condition include stress, HIV, severe burn, excessive alcohol, oral steroid medicine, drug reaction and infection.

Diagnosis

Before carrying out a physical examination, your doctor will start by asking you if you have an infection, any disease or a family history of psoriasis.

They’ll also ask if you stopped using your psoriasis medication abruptly, as this could be a cause. They’ll also carry out a skin biopsy and check for anything that can trigger the disease.

Treatment

After the diagnosis, your doctor will recommend a treatment that will stop the flare immediately. That’s why you must visit the hospital as soon as you notice this condition.

The severity of your condition usually determines the treatment options your doctor recommends. Some of these options are: 

Medications: Depending on how bad your symptoms are, your doctor may prescribe drugs such as infliximab-abda (Renflexis), infliximab (Remicade), Cyclosporine (Sandimmune), acitretin (Soriatane), methotrexate, adalimumab (Humira),brodalumab (Siliq), adalimumab-atto (Amjevita),), etanercept (Enbrel), etanercept-szzs (Erelzi) and more.

Your doctor may recommend these medications alongside other medications. They’re also strong, and you may have to deal with a few side effects. Therefore, talk to your doctor before using any of them.

Topical treatments: Some of the topical treatment options include oatmeal baths, steroid creams or ointment, wet wraps and moisturizers.  

Is Erythrodermic Psoriasis Preventable?

This condition can be avoided by:

• Covering and treating your wound to prevent infection
• Avoiding alcoholic
• Managing stress
• Using your psoriasis medication as you should
• Using phototherapy devices with care

However, you may not be able to avoid some risk factors such as family history, as it increases your chances. Nonetheless, you can live a normal life with this condition if you can try out the treatment options.