Erythrodermic psoriasis is the most severe type of psoriasis I have ever heard of, but luckily it occurs rarely.  It wreaks such havoc on the body as it causes most of the skin on the body to become swelled up and sore.  The loss of control over nutritional distribution (protein loss) and bodily temperature lead to other complications such as infection or even heart attacks.  Obviously, this is a life-threatening side effect.

This is a great example of a kind of psoriasis that begs to be treated topically for immediate relief, but should be treated from the inside-out for long term improvement (especially since one’s life may literally depend on it).

Erythrodermic psoriasis manifests itself with reddening, soreness and scales over most of the body.  Also, the skin can peel off in larger “sheets” rather than the smaller flakes that are characteristic of more common types of psoriasis.  Also, like most other types of psoriasis, affected areas of the skin will itch intensely.

As the body battles off this particular strand of psoriasis, a lot of fluid buildup (edema) and other incidental infections can occur.  This fluid buildup is related to protein drainage and loss of temperature control mentioned earlier.

See a doctor as soon as possible if you are suffering from symptoms that seem to indicate erythrodermic psoriasis.