This article is an answer to the Case – Erythematous, Violaceous Plaques on 90% of the Patient’s Body
The differential diagnosis for generalized erythema and plaque formation includes:
- erythrodermic psoriasis
- seborrheic dermatitis
- pityriasis rubra pilaris
A punch biopsy specimen obtained from two areas on the back confirmed the diagnosis of erythrodermic psoriasis. An erythrodermic papulosquamous eruption can be associated with an underlying systemic disease. In this case, testing for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection was positive.
The patient received highly active antiretroviral therapy as well as topical triamcinolone. At a follow-up visit 3 months later, the patient had complete clearance of the skin eruption with some residual hyperpigmentation.
References
- S. Tso, F. Satchwell, H. Moiz, T. Hari, S. Dhariwal, R. Barlow, E. Forbat, H. Randeva, Y. T. Tan, A. Ilchyshyn, M. M. Kwok, T. M. Barber, C. Thind, A. C. Y. Tso. (2021) Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis). Part 1: underlying causes, clinical presentation and pathogenesis. Clinical and Experimental Dermatology 46:6, 1001-1010. https://doi.org/10.1111/ced.14625
