Sign 4: Erythroderma
When we hear the term Erythroderma, it might seem daunting at first glance. However, broken down, it essentially refers to widespread redness of the skin. Unlike the occasional flushed skin after a workout or due to embarrassment, Erythroderma paints a much larger canvas. Covering a substantial portion of the body, it’s an alarm bell for something being amiss.
This isn’t mere redness. It’s often coupled with scaling, where the skin, in its irritated state, begins shedding. The dead skin piles up, leading to a characteristic rough and scaly texture. This symptom, like other signs of Sezary Syndrome, isn’t fleeting. It persists, often growing in intensity if left unchecked.
But why does this happen? Well, the body’s immune response is once again at play. The cancerous T-cells, in their proliferation, incite an inflammatory reaction. This inflammation, when widespread, manifests as Erythroderma.
Beyond the visual, the skin also feels different. Often, it becomes warm to the touch, indicating the increased blood flow in the inflamed areas. Over time, this can lead to complications such as dehydration, as the affected skin struggles to retain moisture.(4)
