Clinical Presentation and Etiological Profile of Exfoliative Dermatitis: An Observational Study at a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Exfoliative dermatitis (erythroderma) is a severe inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythema and scaling involving more than 90% of the body surface area. It is associated with significant morbidity and systemic complications. This cross-sectional observational study was conducted on 64 patients with exfoliative dermatitis at the Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Clinical data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and relevant examinations were performed. The mean age was 44.8 ± 11.3 years. Males predominated (75%; M:F = 3:1). Psoriasis was the leading cause (60.9%) followed by drug reactions (15.6%) and atopic dermatitis (10.9%). All patients presented with generalized erythema and scaling; 48.4% had itching, 85.9% sparse body hair, and 57.8% loss of scalp hair. Nail changes such as shiny nails (65.6%), thick nails (51.6%), and subungual hyperkeratosis (53.1%) were common. Winter was the most frequent aggravating factor (32.8%). Psoriasis remains the most common cause of exfoliative dermatitis in our population. Early recognition of clinical features and identification of underlying causes are essential for proper management.

Keywords: Exfoliative dermatitis; Erythroderma; Psoriasis.