Treatment of Erythroderma in Psoriasis
Clinical Scenario
This protocol covers erythroderma occurring in patients with psoriasis — the most frequent underlying cause of generalised exfoliative dermatitis. Psoriasis accounts for a substantial proportion of erythroderma cases across published clinical series.
Treatment Approach
Systemic therapy is the cornerstone of first-line management. The evidence distinguishes agents by speed of onset: some are recognised for acting more rapidly, while others, though effective, tend to work more slowly. The appropriate choice depends on clinical urgency and patient-specific factors.
The complete structured regimen — including specific agent selection, sequencing, and monitoring guidance — is available in the full protocol below.
Treatment Goal
Clinical remission of erythroderma.
References
DOI: 10.1016/j.adengl.2018.05.033
- Psoriasis is the most frequent cause of exfoliative dermatitis, which in some studies represents 25–50% of cases.
- A panel of experts suggested cyclosporine (Evidence IIB) or infliximab (Evidence IIB) might be the most rapidly acting agents.
- Other first-line choices are acitretin (Evidence IB) or methotrexate (Evidence III), although they usually work more slowly.
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