Erythema multiforme

Definition

Erythema multiforme is a skin disease which causes lesions and redness around the lesions.

Description

Erythema multiforme appears on the skin and the mucous membranes (the lining of the mouth, digestive tract, vagina, and other organs). Large, symmetrical red blotches appear all over the skin in a circular pattern. On mucous membranes, it begins as blisters and progresses to ulcers. A more advanced form, called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, can be severe and even fatal.

Causes & symptoms

Erythema multiforme has many causes, most commonly are drugs. Penicillin, sulfonamides, certain epilepsy drugs, aspirin, and acetaminophen are the most likely medication-induced causes. Erythema multiforme can also be caused by certain diseases. Herpes virus and mycoplasma pneumonia are likely infectious causes.

Diagnosis

The appearance of the rash is sufficiently unique to identify it on sight. Having identified it, the physician will determine the underlying cause.

Treatment

Erythema multiforme is inadvertently treated when the causative agent, whether it be a drug or a disease, is treated. In severe cases, cortisone-like medication is often used along with general supportive measures and prevention of infection.

Prognosis

As a rule, the rash abates by itself without damaging the skin. Only in the case of infection, severe blistering, or continued use of an offending drug does complications occur.

Key Terms

Herpesvirus

Viruses that can infect the skin, mucous membranes, and brain, and they are responsible for such diseases as herpes simplex, chicken pox, and shingles.

An incomplete bacterium that infects the lung.

Further Reading

For Your Information

Books

• Bennett, J. Claude, and Fred Plum, ed. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. Philadelphia: W. B. Saunders, 1996, pp. 2206, 2191.
• Fritsch, Peter O., and Peter M. Elias. "Erythema Multiforme and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis." In Dermatology in General Medicine, edited by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, et al. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993, pp. 586-596.
• Isselbacher, Kurt, et al., ed. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. New York: McGraw-Hill, August 1997, pp. 282, 299.
• Tierney, Lawrence M., et al., ed. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment. Stamford, CT: Appleton & Lange, 1998, pp. 167.

Gale Encyclopedia of Medicine. Gale Research, 1999.