What is exfoliative dermatitis?
exfoliative dermatitis is a skin disorder in which a large part of the body surface becomes red, scaly and excessively dry. Many different basic conditions can lead to exfoliative dermatitis, including adverse reactions to drugs, skin allergies and psoriasis. In many cases, however, doctors cannot identify the exact cause. The condition may be weakening and often requires hospitalization so that doctors can provide emergency medical care. Most patients striving for immediate treatment are recovering within a few weeks, although particularly serious cases can lead to life -threatening complications.
The outer layer of the skin consists mainly of dead or dying cells. The body quickly produces new skin cells and each cell is eventually replaced in a constant turnover cycle that extends for about one month. In the case of exfoliative dermatitis, the cycle is greatly accelerated. Once new cells are produced, the existing skin begins to boast and fall. Newly exposed skin is suroOut, in a certain sense and unable to provide sufficient protection or absorption of nutrients.
In most cases at least 90% of the skin appears red and scales. The condition leaves the person very sensitive to warmth, light and clothing. It usually causes constant itching and burning and some people are unable to walk or move without extreme discomfort. Exfoliative dermatitis often occurs rapidly in the case of an allergic reaction, sometimes overtaking the body within hours. Examples that are not related to specific allergies or diseases may develop gradually within days or weeks.
The emergency room staff can usually make a general diagnosis by exploring the skin and evaluating symptoms. Doctors acquire medical history and ask questions about when symptoms have appeared to try to identify the basic cause. Blood and skin samples are taken and analyzed in an illness laboratory,which helps to confirm the diagnosis. While doctors are waiting for test results, they usually give intravenous fluids and apply a soothing topic cream to relieve symptoms.
treatment of exfoliative dermatitis depends on the cause. A patient who is experiencing an allergic reaction to a medicine, a plant or other irritant substance can usually recover rapidly as soon as all toxins leave the body. Other conditions are processed accordingly antibiotics, corticosteroids and soothing local solutions, usually bring relief in one to four weeks. The prognosis is poorer when doctors do not know the basic cause and patients may have to stay in intensive care units for several weeks if their symptoms do not disappear.