Exfoliativa

Exfoliativa is a term used in medicine to describe processes or conditions involving shedding or desquamation of surface cells or skin layers. In dermatology and cytology, it is used in two related senses: exfoliative dermatitis, a clinical syndrome of widespread skin peeling, and exfoliative cytology, a sampling method that collects exfoliated cells for microscopic examination.

Exfoliative dermatitis is an erythrodermic condition characterized by diffuse redness, scaling, and shedding of the skin, often with pruritus and systemic symptoms. It can be acute or chronic and arises from drug reactions, certain malignancies such as Sezary syndrome, or flares of eczema or psoriasis. Diagnosis relies on history and clinical examination; blood tests may show electrolyte disturbances or leukocytosis, and skin biopsy is used to exclude other dermatoses and to guide management. Complications include fluid loss, infection, and temperature instability. Treatment targets the underlying cause, with supportive skin care (emollients, gentle cleansing, barrier protection) and, when appropriate, disease-specific therapy. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

Exfoliative cytology refers to collecting exfoliated cells from mucosal surfaces or epithelia for microscopic examination. It is widely used in screening and diagnosis, notably in cervical cancer screening with the Pap test, and for oral, vaginal, urinary, bronchial, and skin lesions. It is non-invasive and inexpensive but may have lower sensitivity than biopsy; sample adequacy and cytologic interpretation are essential. Exfoliative cytology often complements histology in diagnostic pathways.