Emergency dermatology and need of dermatological intensive care unit [DICU]

ABSTRACT

Dermatological emergencies comprise diseases with severe alterations in structure and function of the skin, with some of them leading to acute skin failure that demands early diagnosis, hospitalization, careful monitoring and multidisciplinary intensive care to minimize the associated morbidity and mortality. Prompt intensive management of acute skin failure in the ICU on the lines of 100% burns is mandatory; clearly establishing the necessity of a dedicated intensive care unit comprising of well synchronized team of dermatologist, internist, pediatrician, critical care physician and skilled nursing staff. In this article, we review the literature and discuss the major causes of dermatological emergencies, some of which lead to acute skin failure and lay stress for their management in ICU like set up attached to dermatology department itself, i.e., dermatological intensive care unit [DICU], so that such emergencies may be dealt with more effectively and without wastage of time. DICU should be equipped to such an extent that it provides initial, immediate and necessary support and it need not be as advanced and sophisticated as cardiac, surgical or neonatal ICU