ABSTRACT
Eczema is the second most common dermatoses leading to erythroderma, which includes conditions such as atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, and chronic actinic dermatitis as the major underlying causes. They share the gross and microscopic hallmarks of eczema but display additional clinical features. Preexisting eczematous conditions may generalize under the influence of certain triggering factors, leading to erythroderma, posing a diagnostic challenge. Identification of the primary underlying eczema with clues from a detailed history and characteristic morphologic presentation will facilitate precise and definitive management. Careful clinicopathological correlation is essential to identify specific underlying eczema. A patch test during the quiescent phase might reveal the causative allergen. While treatment should be directed at the underlying cause or triggering factor, therapeutic options include topical and systemic corticosteroids or steroid-sparing agents.This chapter reviews the etiopathogenesis, triggering factors, clinical and histopathologic clues, and diagnostic and therapeutic approaches to various types of eczemas leading to erythroderma.
