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Erythrodermic psoriasis Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.

Answers to questions about erythrodermic psoriasis

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email. This section will expand over time.

• How long will someone with erythrodermic psoriasis need to stay in hospital?
• If I've had erythrodermic psoriasis once, what is the chance I will get it again?
• What happens if someone develops capillary leak syndrome?

 

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How long will someone with erythrodermic psoriasis need to stay in hospital?

Answer

The length of time it takes to recover from erythrodermic psoriasis varies between individuals and depends on the severity of the person's psoriasis.

Explanation

If you have erythrodermic psoriasis, you will usually need to stay in hospital for at least a week. Your doctor will want to make sure you have made a full recovery before you are discharged.

The exact length of time you will need to stay in hospital depends on your response to treatment. Treatments may vary and some are likely to provide a more rapid response than others. Your doctor will discuss your treatment options should with you.

Sources

• Personal communication, Dr Arden-Jones, Consultant Dermatologist, Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, 31st July 2008

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If I've had erythrodermic psoriasis once, what is the chance I will get it again?

Answer

It is uncommon for erythrodermic psoriasis to come back (re-occur).

Explanation

Although recurrent erythrodermic psoriasis is very uncommon, some people do seem to be more prone to getting it than others.

It seems to be more common in people who have unstable psoriasis (a form of the condition in which your plaques suddenly start to become bigger or new plaques start to form), or in those who don't respond well to treatment. Occasionally, taking certain medicines or stopping treatment can cause a flare-up of the condition.

However, it is impossible to say what your personal chance is of erythrodermic psoriasis coming back, as this varies considerably from person to person. Talk to your doctor if you are worried about getting another flare-up of erythrodermic psoriasis.

Sources

• Personal communication, Dr Arden-Jones, Consultant Dermatologist, Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, 31st July 2008
• Erythrodermic psoriasis. National Psoriasis Foundation. www.psoriasis.org, accessed 9 June 2008

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What happens if someone develops capillary leak syndrome?

Answer

It is very unlikely that someone with erythrodermic psoriasis will develop this condition. In the rare event that they do, the person will receive treatment in an intensive care unit.

Explanation

In capillary leak syndrome, large quantities of substances called cytokines are released from the inflamed skin, causing the blood vessels to become leaky. This can also affect the blood vessels in the lungs, leading to a condition called acute lung injury - where fluid builds up in the lungs. This condition is life-threatening, but is extremely rare in erythrodermic psoriasis.

In the rare event that someone does develop this complication, he or she will receive treatment in an intensive care unit. This will include being attached to a ventilator to assist with breathing. There is a good chance of a full recovery - the outcome for people with acute lung injury has improved greatly over the last decade.

Sources

• Kumar P and Clark M. Clinical Medicine. 6th ed. London: Elsevier, 2005:1340-1341

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Mike Ardern-Jones, BSc, MBBS, MRCP, DPhil, Consultant Dermatologist; Southampton University NHS Trust and Spire Southampton Hospital, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2008