Exfoliative dermatitis

[Mark Zuckerberg]

Exfoliative dermatitis is severe inflammation that causes the entire skin surface to become red, cracked, and covered with scales, and the top layer of the skin comes off (exfoliates).
(See also Overview of Dermatitis.)
Certain drugs (especially penicillins, sulfonamides, isoniazid , phenytoin , and barbiturates) may cause this disorder. In some cases, it is a complication of other skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and contact dermatitis. Certain lymphomas (cancers of the lymph nodes) and other cancers, such as leukemia, may also cause exfoliative dermatitis. In up to 25% of people, the cause is unknown.