What causes erythrodermic psoriasis?

What causes erythrodermic psoriasis?

Approximately 1 in 3 people who develop erythrodermic psoriasis already have plaque psoriasis. Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease. It happens when your immune system is inappropriately overly active and causes harm to your own body. Inflammation from this reaction causes new skin cells to form too fast.

People with poorly controlled plaque psoriasis are most at risk for developing erythrodermic psoriasis. Abruptly stopping psoriasis treatments, like corticosteroids or immunosuppressants, can cause erythrodermic psoriasis. Overusing medications like topical steroids or retinoids (a vitamin A-related drug) can also cause symptoms.

Some people develop erythrodermic psoriasis after having:

• Allergic reaction to a medication.
• Illness or infection.
• Severe sunburn.
• Stress.
• Substance use disorder.