LEINER DISEASE

Erythroderma desquamativum is a complication of seborrheic dermatitis in infants (dermatitis seborrhoides infantum) and was described in 1908 by Leiner. There is usually a sudden confluence of lesions, leading to a universal scaling redness of the skin (erythroderma). The young patients are severely ill with anemia, diarrhea, and vomiting. Secondary bacterial infection is common. The prognosis is very good unless proper intensive care and skin care are not provided. The disease is both a familial and a nonfamilial form. The former is noted for having a functional deficiency of C5 complement, resulting in defective opsonization. These patients respond to antibiotics and infusions of fresh frozen plasma or whole blood. The true nature of this disease remains obscure.