Which term means red skin?

• A. Erythroderma
• B. Erythema
• C. Dermatitis
• D. Cyanoderma

Answer: (A)

Erythroderma is the term for red skin. The prefix erythro- means red and the suffix -derma means skin, so erythroderma literally describes a condition of skin that is red, often widespread. Erythema, while also describing redness, is a finding or sign of increased blood flow and isn’t the term for a skin condition itself. Dermatitis is inflammation of the skin, which can include redness but isn’t specifically about red skin as a color term. Cyanoderma would imply blue discoloration (cyan- meaning blue). So the best match for red skin is erythroderma.