Erythema Multiforme - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Erythema Multiforme Alternative names Stevens-Johnson syndrome and Toxic epidermal necrolysis. Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder resulting from an allergic reaction. Raised skin that often look like targets and usually are distributed symmetrically over the body. EM may present within a wide spectrum of severity. EM minor represents a localized eruption of the skin with mild or no mucosal involvement, corresponding to the initial description of von Hebra. EM major and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are more severe mucosal and skin diseases and are potentially life-threatening disorders.

Erythema multiforme is a short-lasting skin condition that occurs as a reaction to an infection or medication. Erythema multiforme mostly affects young adults but may occur in children or older people. Erythema multiforme mainly affects to palms, soles, and back of the hands. Sometimes it can spread in to trunk, face, and mouth or in some cases it may appear only in mouth. In some patient spots may occurs in both skin and lips. It also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. It associates with fever, muscle aches, and not feeling well. Erythemam multiforme can occurs in any type of age but mostly it occurs in children. It causes a characteristic rash and often blisters in the mouth and elsewhere. It is sometimes called erythema multiforme minor to distinguish it from a related but more serious condition.

Erythema multiforme should be distinguished from urticaria , in which target-shaped lesions may also arise. However individual urticarial plaques never blister, and resolve within 24 hours. Prodromal symptoms are mild or absent in EM minor and may present as a mild nonspecific upper respiratory infection. The abrupt onset of a rash usually occurs within 3 days, starting on the extremities symmetrically with centripetal spreading. Some of the skin patches appear like a target, i.e. three rings of red, white and pink. Often the centre of the patch forms a fluid-filled blister that crusts over within a few days.Often, the rash is accompanied by sores and blisters on the lips. Erythema multiforme results in irritable round skin lesions mainly on the forearms, hands and less often, knees and feet. Few or hundreds of lesions appear over 2 to 3 days. Some lesions favour scratched or injured skin.

Causes of Erythema Multiforme

Common causes of Erythema Multiforme

• Allergic reactions(viral, bacterial)
• Fungal infections
• Sensitivity to food or drugs.
• Immunizations.
• Mycoplasma pneumonia.
• Cold sores.
• Herpes of the genitals.
• Postvaccination( Vaccinia).
• Malignancy.
• Hormonal.
• Collagen vascular disease.
• Immunologic disorders.

Symptoms of Erythema Multiforme

Common Symptoms of Erythema Multiforme

• Itching.
• Fever.
• General ill feeling.
• Joint aches.
• Blisters.
• Vision abnormalities
• Dry eyes.
• Bloodshot eyes.
• Eye pain.
• Mouth sores.

Treatment of Erythema Multiforme

Common Treatment of Erythema Multiforme

• Aggressive monitoring and replacement of fluids and electrolytes are of paramount importance.
• Provide supportive respiratory care, including suctioning and postural drainage, as needed.
• Administer empiric antibiotics if clinical evidence of secondary infection exists. Most authorities advise against routine use of prophylactic antibiotics.
• Use analgesics as needed to control pain, which may be severe.
• Avoid systemic corticosteroids in minor cases. In severe cases, their use is controversial because they do not improve prognosis and may increase risk of complications.
• Intravenous Cytoxan , pooled gamma globulin or oral cyclosporin are dramatically helpful.
• Electrolytes and nutritional support should be started as soon as possible.
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)should be treated like a major burn, with aggressive fluid management, and careful assessment of fluid losses. Strict antisepsis is very important.

Home | Blog | Contact Us
Copyright © TheSkinDisorders.com All Rights Reserved.