Background : Erythroderma (exfoliative dermatitis) is a cutaneous reaction pattern characterized by generalized erythema and scaling which can be seen in a wide range of cutaneous or systemic diseases. It is important to establish the correct diagnosis whenever possible so that specific therapy may be initiated. The study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical profile and etiology of erythroderma and to correlate clinical diagnosis with histopathological findings.                                    Methods : A retrospective study was conducted in the Department of  Skin & V.D , Nalanda Medical College and Hospital , Patna. Fifty (50) cases of erythroderma diagnosed clinically in the past 2 years were studied and their epidemiological, clinical, laboratory & histopathological findings were analyzed.                                      Results : The mean age of  presentation was 36 years and  male to female ( M:F) ratio was 3:2. Apart from erythema and scaling that were present in all patients, pruritis (n=40,80%), peripheral edema (n=10,20%)  and fever (n=9,18%)  were the most common symptoms at presentation. The most common etiology of exfoliative dermatitis was Drug Reactions (n=20,40%)  followed by Atopic Dermatitis (n=10,20%) and Erythrodermic Psoriasis (n=15,30%). Other causes were Mycosis Fungoides, Allergic/Air borne  Contact Dermatitis, Lichen Planus, Pityriasis Rubra Pilaris. There was no significant contribution of laboratory data and all the patients were HIV sero negative. The best clinico pathological correlation (100%) was found in Erythrodermic Psoriasis.                                                                                         Conclusion : Erythroderma often obscures the primary lesion. Clinicians should evaluate all cases of erythroderma by eliciting proper clinical history, taking biopsies and performing other ancillary haematological investigations. Hospitalization  may be required as the disease carries risk of significant mortality.