Erythroderma at the Dermatology Outpatient Clinic of a Tertiary Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: The term erythroderma refers to a non specific dermatitis involving 90% or more of the total skin surface, characterized by generalized erythema and scaling. The major challenge in patients presenting with erythroderma is making the aetiologic diagnoses and management of complications. A detailed history is essential in making etiologic diagnoses.

Aim: This is to document the frequency and aetiology of erythroderma in patients seen at the dermatology clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).

Methods and materials: This is a review of erythroderma cases seen at the dermatology unit over 8 years. Data was extracted from the clinic records and patients’ clinic notes and analyzed using SPSS 16.

Results: Eczemas were the most common aetiologic diagnosis (40.3%), followed by papulosquamous disorders (18.9%) and drugs (8.9%). Erythroderma occurs in all age group: atopic dermatitis was the most common diagnosis in childhood; cutaneous T cell Lymphoma and cancers of the rectum and prostate were noted exclusively in males above 50 years; while herbal concoctions occurred at all age group.

Conclusion: The age of patients is helpful in the consideration of the aetiologic diagnoses. Herbal medications should be considered as precipitating and aggravating factor in the Nigerian patient.

Keywords: Erythroderma, exfoliative dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, drugs, herbal medication.