Acute skin failure is a state of total dysfunction of the skin resulting from different dermatological conditions. It constitutes a dermatological emergency and requires a multi-disciplinary, intensive care approach. Its effective management is possible only when the underlying pathomechanism of each event is clear to the treating clinician. The concept of skin failure is new to non-dermatologist clinicians and sketchy among many dermatologists. Here the pathomechanism of skin failure has been analyzed and a guideline for monitoring has been provided. There is a need for intensive care units for patients with acute skin failure.