Erythroderma is an inflammatory skin disease with redness and scaling that affects nearly the entire cutaneous surface.

[3] The most common cause of erythroderma is exacerbation of an underlying skin disease, such as Harlequin-type ichthyosis, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, lichen planus, pityriasis rubra pilaris or a drug reaction, such as the use of topical steroids.

[4] Primary erythroderma is less frequent and is usually seen in cases of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, in particular in Sézary's disease.

[5] Pemphigus foliaceus may sometimes rapidly progress into a generalized form, resulting in exfoliative erythroderma.

The classification of exfoliative dermatitis into Wilson-Brocq (chronic relapsing), Hebra or pityriasis rubra (progressive), and Savill (self-limited) types may have had historical value, but it currently lacks pathophysiologic or clinical utility.