Life-threatening dermatoses.

Abstract

While rare, life-threatening dermatoses encompass various inflammatory, infectious, vasculitic/vasculopathy, paraneoplastic, and neoplastic skin diseases. Complications include skin barrier dysfunction, secondary infection, and internal organ involvement. Skin signs may serve as a critical window into systemic disease. Life-threatening dermatoses are typically associated with "red flag" clinical signs or symptoms, which inform the dermatologist about the severity of the disease and mandate a thorough history, review of systems, and physical examination, as well as laboratory evaluation. This contribution highlights severe cutaneous adverse reactions, infections, vasculitides and vasculopathies, and paraneoplastic eruptions. Dermatologists should recognize life-threatening dermatoses and have a framework for rapid diagnosis and management.