Pronounced: Er-uh-thee-ma Multi-form-aye
by Patricia Griffin Kellicker, BSN
En Espaol (Spanish Version) Erythema multiforme is a common skin disorder consisting of target-like circular lesions: red center, pale ring, and dark red outer ring. These lesions appear suddenly on the legs, arms, palms, hands, feet, and inside the mouth. Erythema multiforme minor is the most frequent form and is generally mild.
Erythema multiforme major, while rare, can be life-threatening. This severe form of the disorder usually causes target lesions with painful blisters at their center, which tend to appear on the trunk, eyes, inside the mouth, and genitals. It is also called Stevens-Johnson syndrome.
Erythema multiforme is usually caused by a reaction to an infection or certain medications, but oftentimes the cause is unknown. Erythema multiforme minor is most commonly associated with the herpes simplex virus, the same virus that causes cold sores. Other triggers connected with erythema multiforme major include:
- Mycoplasma infection (bacterial lung infection)
- Cocaine use
- History of radiotherapy
- Certain medications, such as:
- Sulfonamides
- Tetracyclines
- Amoxicillin
- Ampicillin
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Anticonvulsants
A risk factor is anything that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Exposure to any of the known causes of erythema multiforme increases its risk. The conditions more commonly occurs in:
Individuals who have had it beforeIndividuals with history of cold sores (orolabial herpes) or genital herpesChildren and young adultsMales more than females Individuals who are HIV positive Symptoms Symptoms of erythema multiforme can vary from mild to severe. If you experience any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to erythema multiforme. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your physician. Skin lesions or spots Typically appear over 3-4 daysStart on hands and feet and spread to legs, arm, and faceSpots start out as small, red areas, and progress to look like mini targetsSpots may blisterRash appears equally on both sides of the bodyRash resolves in 1-6 weeks Red Blistered Skin 2008 Nucleus Medical Art, Inc. Other possible symptoms include: ItchingFeverOverall ill feelingAchy jointsVision problemsBloodshot or dry eyesBurning, painful, or itchy eyesMouth sores DiagnosisYour doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin problems (dermatologist). Most cases of erythema multiforme can be diagnosed based on your medical history and skin exam. If target lesions are present, then diagnosis is straight-forward. In cases where the skin lesions are not typical, a biopsy of the skin may be taken and examined under a microscope.
TreatmentTreatment for this condition involves eliminating the trigger or cause (if known), relieving the symptoms, and preventing infection of the lesions (in erythema multiforme major). Treatment options include the following: Symptomatic management Moist compressesOral antihistamines to help control itchingTopical antihistamine or steroid creams to help discomfort and itchingAcetaminophen to reduce pain and feverAntiviral medicationsif the outbreak is caused by herpes simplex, antiviral medications may be given to prevent a recurrence but is not effective to treat the rash already present. This is typically used for people with frequent outbreaks of erythema multiforme.Severe cases of erythema multiforme major may be treated with oral steroids. Hospitalization is required for widespread lesions that are life threatening. PreventionIf you ever develop erythema multiforme, it will be important to understand what triggered it. Avoidance of this medication or infection will help prevent its recurrence. If herpes simplex virus is the trigger, your doctor may prescribe a daily oral antiviral medication to prevent this condition. RESOURCES: American Academy of Dermatologyhttp://www/aad.org
American Family Physicianhttp://www.aafp.org CANADIAN RESOURCES: Canadian Dermatology Associationhttp://www.dermatology.ca/english Dermatologists.cahttp://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html References: Erythema multiforme. British Association of Dermatologists website. Available at: http://www.bad.org.uk/patients/leaflets/erythema.asp . Accessed September 20, 2005. Erythema multiforme. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf?opendatabase . Accessed September 20, 2005. Erythema multiforme. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at: http://www.dermnetnz.org/reactions/erythema-multiforme.html . Accessed September 20, 2005. Katta R. Taking aim at erythema multiforme. Postgraduate Medicine Online. Available at: http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2000/01_00/katta.htm . Accessed September 20, 2005. Erythema multiforme. US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000851.htm . Accessed September 20, 2005. Last reviewed January 2008 by Ross Zeltser, MDPlease be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
