Erythema multiforme

Overview

Erythema multiforme: An allergic inflammatory skin disorder which has a variety of causes and results in skin and mucous membrane lesions that affect mainly the hands, forearms, feet, mouth nose and genitals.

Symptoms

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Erythema multiforme includes the 28 symptoms listed below: * Swollen red rash * Blisters * Mouth rash * Mouth blisters * Throat rash * Throat blisters * Anus rash * Anus blisters * Genital rash * Genital blisters * Conjunctival rash * Conjunctival blisters * Malaise * Discomfort * Muscle pain * Itching * Mucosal erosion * Flat maculopapules * Red maculopapules * Red spots on skin * Small skin bumps * Blisters * Mild itching * Fever * Joint pain * Malaise * Cough * Sore throat

Causes

Following is a list of causes or underlying conditions (see also Misdiagnosis of underlying causes of Erythema multiforme) that could possibly cause Erythema multiforme includes: * Certain viral infections * Certain bacterial infections * Adverse reaction to vaccinations . The follow list shows some of the possible medical causes of Erythema multiforme that are listed by the Diseases Database: * Histoplasmosis * Barbiturates * Diltiazem * Ibritumomab tiuxetan * Staphylococcus aureus * Herpes virus 2 * Thiabendazole * Penicillamine * Sulphonylureas * Ethotoin * Orf * Mycoplasma pneumoniae * Phenobarbital * Nevirapine * Sulphonamides * Suramin * Thiacetazone * Carbamazepine * Lamotrigine * Leflunomide * Phenylbutazone * Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome * Streptomycin * Sulphasalazine * Chlormezanone * Isoniazid * Herpes simplex * Primidone * Terbinafine * Systemic lupus erythematosus * Procainamide * Phenytoin * Clindamycin

Treatment

* Orabase® compounded with high-potency topical steroids (e.g., clobetasol) may offer symptomatic relief and increase speed of healing * “Magic mouthwash” may be used to swish and spit as necessary for relief (these may contain lidocaine, diphenhydramine, antacids, and even liquid tetracycline) * Aphthous stomatitis: Intralesional triamcinalone injections are painful but very helpful –Lesions spontaneously resolve within 2 weeks o Recurrent herpes stomatitis: Episodic treatment with 1–7 day courses of oral antivirals (e.g., acyclovir) can shorten the duration of the episode and speed healing –These are efficacious only if started within 24 hours of the onset of the prodrome (often tingling or pain at the site of eruption occurs hours before onset) –Chronic suppressive therapy with oral antivirals may be indicated if recurrences are frequent o Bullous diseases: Corticosteroids (topical or oral), cyclosporine, and even thalidomide