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Erythema Multiforme
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
Erythema multiforme is a skin reaction that results in red, target-shaped patches on the skin.
What is going on in the body?
Erythema multiforme is an hypersensitivity reaction commonly caused by an infection or a medication. The person's body responds to an organism or chemical with an exaggerated allergic response.
Erythema multiforme can be minor or more severe. The more severe form is also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Severe reactions can involve the skin, lungs, kidneys, eyes, and other areas. Rarely, in severe cases, death may occur.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
Erythema multiforme is an exaggerated allergic reaction that may be triggered by the following:
Often, the cause is unknown. Erythema multiforme is more common in men than in women. Once a person has an episode of erythema multiforme, he or she is more likely to have more episodes in the future.
Symptoms & Signs
What are the signs and symptoms of the condition?
Signs and symptoms of erythema multiforme include the following:
Severe cases may cause skin peeling and serious eye inflammation, among other signs and symptoms.
Diagnosis & Tests
How is the condition diagnosed?
Erythema multiforme is usually diagnosed by its appearance. In some cases, a skin biopsy may be needed. This involves taking a small piece of skin with a special tool. This piece can then be analyzed under a microscope to make the diagnosis.
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Prevention of erythema multiforme is only possible when the cause is known. If it is caused by a medication, the medication may need to be stopped. Medications used to treat herpes, such as acyclovir or valacyclovir, may prevent recurrence if the condition is caused by a herpes outbreak. Most cases are not preventable.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Scarring or infection of the skin, vision problems, scarring in the gut, and even death may result from severe forms of erythema multiforme. Most cases do not cause any long-term effects.
What are the risks to others?
Erythema multiforme is not contagious and poses no risk to others.
Treatment & Monitoring
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment of erythema multiforme may involve the following:
A person with severe erythema multiforme may be transferred to a burn unit for specialized care.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medications used to treat erythema multiforme may cause upset stomach, rash, or allergic reaction. Debridement of dead tissue may cause bleeding or infection.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Most people recover without a problem and can return to normal activities. However, the person is at higher risk for erythema multiforme in the future. If the condition is caused by herpes, a person may want to consider taking medications to prevent further herpes outbreaks. If erythema multiforme is caused by a medication, the person should avoid the medication in the future.
How is the condition monitored?
In mild cases, the skin is monitored until the rash disappears. Usually the affected person can do this monitoring at home. In serious cases, a person may need to be admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.
Attribution
Author:Lynn West, MD
Date Written:
Editor:Ballenberg, Sally, BS
Edit Date:02/28/01
Reviewer:Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
Date Reviewed:07/27/01