Leclerc-Mercier S, Bodemer C, Bourdon-Lanoy E et al.
Université René-Descartes, Paris, France.
J Cutan Pathol 2010;37:249–55.
Editor’s note: The current authors from Paris, France, conducted a retrospective investigation of 72 patients who were admitted for erythroderma during the first year of life. A total of 111 skin biopsies were reviewed by three pathologists who were unaware of the clinical diagnosis. Erythroderma involves erythema usually in association with exfoliation. In neonates, it can be associated with atopic dermatitis (AD), psoriasis, ichthyosis, Netherton syndrome (NS), or immunodeficiency. As some of these conditions can be severe and life-threatening, early diagnosis is important. The current study suggests that early skin biopsy is helpful in this regard.