Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is erythema multiforme?
- Signs & Symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of erythema multiforme?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes erythema multiforme?
- Diagnosis & Treatment
- How is erythema multiforme diagnosed?
- How is erythema multiforme treated?
Definition
What is erythema multiforme?
Erythema multiforme is a skin reaction that can be triggered by infection or the use of certain drugs. Erythema multiforme usually affects people under the age of 40, although it can occur at any age.
This condition is generally mild and will recover in a few weeks. However, there is a rarer, more severe form of erythema multiforme that can be life threatening. Erythema multiforme major usually affects the mouth, genitals and eyes.
Erythema multiforme is not a contagious disease.
Signs & Symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of erythema multiforme?
The most common symptoms of erythema multiforme include:
- Fever
- Not feeling well
- Itchy skin
- The joints ache
- Raised and sunken skin lesions; spread; can be shaped like a rash, small pimple, or hives; a nodule can have eyes that are surrounded by a red circle (like a target circle); nodules can contain water of various sizes; mostly found on the upper body, legs, arms, palms, hands and feet, to the lips or on the face; the size of the nodule is symmetrical.
Other signs and symptoms include:
- Red eye
- Dry eyes
- The eye feels itchy, burns, oozes out
- Pain in the mouth
- Visual disturbances
There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. Doctors can immediately diagnose erythema multiforme by the characteristics of the lump, but they can refer you to a dermatologist for a more accurate diagnosis.
If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.
When should I see a doctor?
See a doctor immediately if you experience the symptoms above. If you have a case of erythema multiforme major or are suspected of having Stevens-Johnson syndrome. You will be referred to the hospital as soon as possible as these two conditions can be fatal.
Cause
What causes erythema multiforme?
Most cases of erythema multiforme have no known cause. However, some cases are caused by an infectious reaction (herpes simplex virus or mycoplasma bacteria) or certain drugs, for example:
- Antibiotics (sulfonamide, tetracycline, amoxicillin, and ampicillin)
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen
- Anticonvulsants (to treat epilepsy), such as phenytoin and barbiturates
Diagnosis & Treatment
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
How is erythema multiforme diagnosed?
Your doctor will examine your skin to determine if the rash is caused by erythema multiforme, and not another condition. The doctor may also ask questions about your medical history, certain risk factors, or diseases related to erythema multiforme.
The tests that may be done to diagnose this disease are:
- Nikolsky's sign
- Skin tissue biopsy
How is erythema multiforme treated?
Treatment is carried out to control the underlying disease; prevent infection; and treat the symptoms.
Your doctor may ask you to stop any drugs that are suspected of triggering the symptoms. Do not stop a dose without your doctor knowing.
Treatments for mild erythema multiforme include:
- Prescription antihistamines to reduce itching.
- Cold compress on problem skin.
- Prescription antiviral medications if the cause is herpes simplex.
- Non-prescription pain relievers such as paracetamol to relieve fever and pain.
- Local anesthetic (especially for mouth sores) to relieve pain that may occur when eating or drinking.
Treatment for severe cases of erythema multiforme includes:
- Prescription antibiotics for skin infections.
- Prescription corticosteroids to control inflammation.
- ICU care or a burn ward if it includes erythema multiforme major, provoked by Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis.
- Immunoglobulin that is injected intravenously (IVIG) to stop disease progression.
You may need a skin graft if most of the skin on your body has been damaged as a result of this condition.
Maintaining good hygiene and avoiding skin contact with other people can help prevent secondary infections.
Please discuss with your doctor for more information. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
