What do you need to know about erythema multiforme?
What is erythema multiforme? Erythema multiforme is a hypersensitivity reaction usually triggered by infections, most commonly herpes simplex virus (HSV). It presents with a skin eruption characterised by a typical target lesion. There may be mucous membrane involvement.
What’s the difference between erythema multiforme minor and SJS?
Erythema multiforme minor describes EM without mucosal involvement; erythema multiforme major refers to EM with mucosal disease. It should be noted that EM with mucous membrane involvement (EM major) and Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) are different diseases with distinct causes.
Can a herpes simplex virus cause erythema multiforme?
Erythema multiforme is a hypersensitivity reaction usually triggered by infections, most commonly herpes simplex virus (HSV). It presents with a skin eruption characterised by a typical target lesion. There may be mucous membrane involvement. It is acute and self-limiting, usually resolving without complications.
Which is more severe erythema multiforme or Steven Johnson syndrome?
There’s a spectrum of conditions that range from less severe, the localized Erythema Multiforme, and then the middle condition is called Steven Johnson syndrome. Erythema Multiforme is limited to the lips and some target lesions.
What kind of drugs can cause erythema multiforme minor?
Many drugs have been reported to trigger erythema multiforme, including barbiturates, non-steroidal anti- inflammatory drugs, penicillins, sulphonamides, nitrofurantoin, phenothiazines, and anticonvulsants. There are usually no prodromal symptoms in erythema multiforme minor.
Can a cold sore cause erythema multiforme rash?
More than half of cases are associated with the herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes cold sores. But bacteria like mycoplasma, fungi, and other viruses are also triggers for the rash. Erythema multiforme can happen after someone takes certain medicines, although this is a less likely cause than an infection.