Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but dangerous variant of psoriasis vulgaris that causes painful and itchy red, scaly patches to spread to larger areas of skin. The condition is chronic and inflammatory, which affects the body’s ability to control the temperature. If not treated properly, this condition can be life-threatening.

Overview

What is erythrodermic psoriasis?

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a harmful type of psoriasis that causes bright and burning plaques in various regions of the body. This condition also affects the immune system, which has a higher risk of developing other complications and risk factors like heart problems and pneumonia.

The affected immune system alters the chemistry of the body and loses much-needed proteins and fluids from the body, which reduces the blood flow to the heart. If the heart doesn’t have enough blood to pump, it may fail the heart and kidney. It’s crucial to consult with doctors if you experience this condition.

How common is erythrodermic psoriasis?

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare type, affecting 2–3% of people with psoriasis. Also, 1 in 3 people with plaque psoriasis develop erythrodermic psoriasis. Most other forms of psoriasis are severe but not usually fatal. However, this erythrodermic psoriasis can get worse and be life-threatening if not treated properly.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the causes of erythrodermic psoriasis?

The exact cause of erythrodermic psoriasis is not proven yet. Research is going on to find the exact cause of this condition. However, the chemical process behind the condition is that it causes the immune system to overreact, which leads to the rapid production of new skin cells. For a healthy person, the skin cells usually shed and grow every 30 days. But for people with erythrodermic psoriasis, these new skin cells grow rapidly in 3 to 4 days.

The T-cells, which are responsible for attacking foreign particles in the body, malfunction and attack the healthy skin cells. As the process is very quick, the dead skin cells accumulate on the surface of the skin instead of shedding. These accumulations affect the skin, causing inflamed patches on the skin. This erythrodermic psoriasis can also easily develop from plaque psoriasis if that is not treated properly.

Other conditions that trigger erythrodermic psoriasis include:

History of family genetics with psoriasis
Overdosage of certain medications
Any severe infections from microbes
Excess stress
Severe sunburn
HIV
Substance abuse.

Symptoms of erythrodermic psoriasis

Itchy and scaly red patches spread to various areas of the body
Extreme dehydration and fatigue
Chills and fever
Excess pain and burnt-looking skin
Affected areas peel off the skin in large pieces
Joint pain
Rapid heartbeat
Swelling in the lower legs and feet.

These symptoms may develop slowly or occur suddenly. Visit your doctor as soon as possible if you experience these kinds of symptoms during psoriasis.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is erythrodermic psoriasis diagnosed?

Initially, the doctor will examine your records, such as your family history, recent medications, the condition of your symptoms, your previous history of psoriasis, and infections. Then they may take a blood test to learn about your blood cells and electrolyte levels. Also, they do skin biopsy tests to confirm your condition and its severity. If erythrodermic psoriasis is confirmed, you may need to be admitted to the hospital for further treatment, as the condition is dangerous.

Management and Treatment

Erythrodermic psoriasis treatment

- Topical Medicines: Doctors provide effective ointments like xemsis, lotions, or corticosteroid creams that soften your plaques and reduce inflammation.
- Oral Drugs: If you have other complications with erythrodermic psoriasis, doctors may provide medications like NSAIDs, DMARDs, cyclosporine, acitretin, and etanercept that stop the immune system from attacking healthy cells and control new cell growth. These medications may have complex dosages and side effects. So doctors may recommend avoiding some food types. It’s crucial to follow their guidelines.
- Injections: To relieve you from excess pain and itching, doctors may recommend biological treatments or injections with antibiotics and pain medications.
- Stabilizing Treatments: If your physical condition is very ill with a huge loss of fluids and proteins, doctors may admit you to bed and inject IV fluids or electrolytes in your veins to make you stable.
- People with HIV: Treating erythrodermic psoriasis in people with HIV is more complicated, as usual treatments will not be effective. So first, treatments like antiretroviral therapy may be given to people with HIV.
- Phototherapy: If your erythrodermic psoriasis symptoms are fatal, doctors may recommend this phototherapy treatment. This treatment involves the process of passing ultraviolet lasers to your affected areas. The process is complex and may have some side effects.

Prevention

Can you prevent erythrodermic psoriasis?

There are no proven measures to prevent erythrodermic psoriasis. However, there are some ways to prevent new flare-ups.

Apply Xemsis regularly, as prescribed
Avoid consuming alcohol and tobacco products
Manage stress with meditation and yoga
Protect your skin from external injuries like cuts, burns, infections, or wounds
Keep in touch with your healthcare provider
Don’t abruptly stop previous medications or try new medications.
Eat a healthy diet and stay hydrated
Protect yourself from harsh weather, be it summer or winter.

Conclusion

Erythrodermic psoriasis can be very challenging, affecting your physical strength and appearance. Treating this type of psoriasis involves many trials and errors. You will need to change your lifestyle and take medications for long periods of time, as they work in stages to relieve you of the condition. This condition can be life-threatening if it is not treated properly. So it’s crucial to follow your doctor’s guidelines and stay positive.

Reference

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/psoriasis/erythrodermic-psoriasis
National Library of Medicine: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5572467/
Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/health/erythrodermic-psoriasis#outlook
Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314514#takeaway
National Psoriasis Foundation: https://www.psoriasis.org/erythrodermic-psoriasis/
HIVinfo: https://hivinfo.nih.gov/understanding-hiv/fact-sheets/hiv-treatment-basics
Cleveland Clinic: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22998-erythrodermic-psoriasis

Rakhul Mathivanan

Rakhul Mathivanan, a writer and filmmaker, focuses on creating innovative and unique content through directing short films, writing scripts, blogs, articles, case studies, and website content. He loves to watch movies, read books, listen to music, and travel. He has also had expertise in the field of writing and filmmaking for over a year and works closely with Xemsis by providing them with well-researched blogs about psoriasis.

Around the world, millions of people suffer from psoriasis, a skin disorder. It is essential to know about the various forms of psoriasis and what causes them. Let us go over the different types, symptoms, and effects of psoriasis, as well as how it affects everyday life, in this blog.

What is psoriasis?

Psoriasis is a long-term autoimmune skin condition that makes skin cell growth excessive, which leads to the formation of thick layers and red areas covered with white scales. These patches, known as plaques, can appear anywhere on the body but are most common on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back. Psoriasis is not contagious and does not spread.

Types of psoriasis

1. Plaque Psoriasis

About 80% of cases of psoriasis are of this type, which is the most common. It looks like raised red patches with silvery-white scales covering them. These patches, which frequently appear on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back, can be painful and itchy.

2. Guttate Psoriasis

Little red, scaly spots that look like drops of water are a sign of guttate psoriasis, which typically first appears in childhood or early adulthood. The scalp, arms, legs, and body can all develop these types of psoriasis. Similar to throat infections, bacterial infections can occasionally cause guttate psoriasis.

3. Inverse Psoriasis

The areas most commonly affected by inverse psoriasis are the skin folds under the arms, under the breasts, and on the abdomen. It appears as red, smooth patches of skin that may become irritated from sweating and rubbing. The sensitive areas where inverse psoriasis occurs can make it extremely uncomfortable.

4. Pustular Psoriasis

The main symptom of this type of psoriasis is the development of bumps, which are pus-filled wounds covered in red, inflammatory skin. There are two types of pustular psoriasis: localized and generalized, which affect different body parts.

5. Erythrodermic Psoriasis

Erythrodermic psoriasis is a rare but severe form of psoriasis that typically causes severe pain, burning, and itching in addition to typical skin redness and scaling. It could affect the body’s capacity to regulate body temperature and fluid balance, which could lead to issues like dehydration and infection.

Symptoms of Psoriasis

The symptoms of psoriasis vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

Red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales
Itching or burning in affected areas
Dry, cracked skin
Thickened, pitted, or ridged nails
Stiff and swollen joints

Impact on Daily Life

Psoriasis can significantly affect day-to-day functioning, both physically and emotionally. Psoriasis comes with two symptom scales and plaques that make a person more self-conscious and feel ashamed, which can lower their quality of life and cause them to stay inactive socially. Additionally, the itching, pain, and discomfort associated with psoriasis can interfere with sleep, work, and activities of daily living.

Managing Psoriasis with Xemsis Ointment

Xemsis ointment is a topical treatment designed to help manage psoriasis symptoms. Its unique formula contains all-natural ingredients that soothe inflammation, reduce itching, and promote the healing of the skin in just 7 days. It prevents skin growth and helps reduce scaling and itching. After using this ointment, many users report significant improvements in their psoriasis symptoms. With Xemsis , you can unhide your psoriasis and restore normal skin faster in just 7 days.

In Conclusion

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin condition that results in plaques—red, scaly patches on the skin. Psoriasis comes in various forms, each with unique types and signs. While psoriasis can impact daily life and quality of life, effective treatments like Xemsis ointment are available to help manage symptoms and improve overall well-being. It is important to know the type and stay cautious about psoriasis.

If you suspect you have psoriasis or are experiencing symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. With proper care and management, individuals with psoriasis can lead fulfilling and productive lives.