[Erythroderma: etiology, diagnosis, and management-an overview]

Erythroderma is a rare dermatological reaction pattern characterized by generalized erythema with scaling and systemic symptoms. It represents the maximal manifestation of various inflammatory, infectious, or malignant diseases and requires rapid diagnostic evaluation and initiation of therapy. In adults, inflammatory dermatoses as well as drug reactions represent the most common underlying causes. Malignant disorders, most notably cutaneous T‑cell lymphomas, must be considered in the differential diagnosis. Diagnostic evaluation is based on medical history, clinical examination, and additional laboratory and histopathological investigations. In unclear cases, repeated skin biopsies are needed. In most cases, hospital admission is warranted to enable definitive diagnosis and treatment. Early identification of the underlying cause and therapy are crucial for prognosis and clinical outcome.