Erythrodermic psoriasis

A particularly inflammatory form of psoriasis that often affects most of the body surface. It is the least common form of psoriasis and most commonly appears on people who have unstable plaque psoriasis, where lesions are not clearly defined. The erythrodermic form of psoriasis is characterized by periodic, widespread, fiery redness of the skin. The erythema (reddening) and exfoliation (shedding) of the skin are often accompanied by severe itching and pain. Swelling may also develop.

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exfoliative psoriasis a severe generalized erythrodermic condition usually developing chronically, such as in a reaction to topical therapy or ultraviolet exposure. Occasionally it occurs as the initial manifestation of psoriasis and has severe characteristics such as massive skin exfoliation associated with serious systemic illness and abnormalities of temperature and cardiovascular regulation that may even be fatal. Called also psoriatic erythroderma.