Frequency of various etiological factors associated with erythroderma

Patients and methods This descriptive study, using non-probability convenience sampling, was carried out in the Dermatology Department of Military Hospital, Rawalpindi, from 1st August, 2007 to 31st July, 2008. The study group comprised of 50 patients of clinically diagnosed erythroderma. The relevant laboratory evaluation including skin biopsy was carried out in all cases. The results were statistically analyzed through computer software SPSS 10. Results Among the total 50 patients, 33 (66%) had some pre-existing dermatoses. This was proved by history and supported by histopathology. In this group, eczema was found in 19 (38%), followed by psoriasis in 8 (16%) patients. Contribution from other diseases e.g. pemphigus foliaceus, ichthyosis, scabies, bullous and non-bullous ichthyosiform erythroderma was not very significant. After this group the second commonest cause of erythroderma was drug reaction, which contributed 6 (12%) patients. In 2 (4%) patients, erythroderma was due to cutaneous T cell lymphoma, and no underlying cause was found in 9 (18%) patients which were labeled as idiopathic. Conclusion Pre-existing dermatoses were a common cause of erythroderma in our population and drugs and malignancy were a much less frequent cause. Skin biopsy was a useful investigation in confirming the cause of erythroderma, as specific histological characteristics were recognizable in majority of these cases.