A skin disorder characterized by inflammation, redness, and scaling of the skin over most of the body. Exfoliative dermatitis may be the result of an allergic response to a drug or may be due to worsening of a skin condition such as psoriasis or eczema. The condition sometimes occurs in lymphoma and leukaemia.
There is a widespread rash with severe flaking of the skin, which results in increased loss of water and protein from the surface of the body.
Protein loss may cause oedema and muscle wasting.
Further possible complications include heart failure and infection.
The treatment and outlook depend on the cause.
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