Exfoliative Dermatitis

Exfoliative dermatitis is a severe inflammation of the entire skin surface due to a reaction to certain drugs, or as a result of complications from another skin condition. In some cases, lymph node cancer (lymphoma) can cause generalized exfoliative dermatitis. Often, however, no cause can be found.
The most common symptoms of generalized exfoliative dermatitis ioclude:
~extreme redness of the skin
~scaling
~thickened skin
~itching
~swollen lymph nodes
~fever
~loss of fluids and proteins through the damaged skin

The symptoms of generalized exfoliative dermatitis may resemble other dermatologic conditions somit's always best to consult a physician for diagnosis.
Diagnosis includes careful elimination of known causes, such as certain drugs (i.e., penicillin and barbiturates). In addition, your physician may check for other skin conditions such as atopic dermatitis, as well as for lymphoma, which may be the cause of the generalized exfoliative dermatitis condition.

Severe cases of generalized exfoliative dermatitis may require hospitalization while the person is being treated with antibiotics, intravenous fluids, and nutritional supplements.
If certain drugs are causing the condition, eliminating them usually clears up generalized exfoliative dermatitis condition.
If another skin condition or lymphoma causes generalized exfoliative dermatitis, treating that condition usually clears up generalized exfoliative dermatitis condition.

Other treatments may include:
~heated blankets to keep the patient warm
~cool baths
~petroleum jelly applied to skin, followed by gauze
~corticosteroids