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Erythroderma: a dermatologic emergency

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 May 2015

Tony F. Bruno  and
Parbeer Grewal
Tony F. Bruno*
Affiliation:
Department of Family Medicine, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alta.
Parbeer Grewal
Affiliation:
Department of Dermatology, University of Alberta Hospital, Edmonton, Alta.
*
Department of Family Medicine, CCFP-EM Program, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, 205 College Plaza, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB T6G 2R3; [email protected]

Abstract

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Erythroderma is a potentially fatal dermatologic emergency that is often mistaken for infection. Indeed, the fact that it is difficult to diagnosis is the main contributor to its significant mortality rate, as treatment is readily available. We present a case of a 36-year-old man who was incorrectly diagnosed and treated for 2 months. We review the etiologies, initial work-up and management of this disease. In our case, the patient was ill, had lost 11.3 kg and developed systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Without proper treatment he was at risk of developing full-blown sepsis. Although there are many causes of erythroderma, prompt initial treatment directed at the underlying etiology typically results in a rapid remission.

Keywords

erythrodermaexfoliative dermatitisred man syndrome
Type
Case Report • Rapport de cas
Information
Canadian Journal of Emergency Medicine , Volume 11 , Issue 3 , May 2009 , pp. 244 - 246
Copyright
Copyright © Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians 2009

References

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