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Erythema Multiforme

This reaction pattern of blood vessels in an dermis with secondary epidcrmal changes is exhibited clinically as characteristic erythematous iris-shaped papules & vesicolobullous lesions typically involving an extremities (especially an palms & soles) & till an mucous membranes. Erythema multiforme can be minor or more severe. an more severe form is also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Severe reactions can involve an skin, lungs, kidneys, eyes, & other areas.

EM is relatively common Suffer for a dermatologist. Half an cases are in young people (under 20). It rare both under an age of 3 & over an age of

Causes of Erythema multiforme

an cause of erythema multiforme often remains unknown. Possible causes include: Viral infection (especially herpes simplex ) Mycoplasma pneumonia (a chest infection) Medicines (especially those containing sulfa) Immunizations

Signs & symptoms of Erythema multiforme

• Multiple skin lesions:
  • With sudden onset, which may recur
  • That may spread
  • Located on an legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet
  • May involve an face or lips
  • Trunk is usually not involved
  • Usually symmetrical
• Itching of an skin may be present
• Fever
• Dry eyes
• General ill feeling

On an skin, a wide variety of irregular red macular, papular & vesicular lesions may occur, either separately or in combination. A unique lesion, an target or bull's-eye lesion appears as concentric rings of affected skin interspersed with rings of clinically normal skin, often with a bullous lesion at an center.

Diagnosis

an diagnosis is primarily based on an appearance of an skin lesion & its typical symmetrical distribution, especially if there is a history of risk factors or associated diseases.

Treatment of Erythema multiforme

Treatment of Erythema multiforme begins with identification & removal of an trigger factor, however that is not always possible. EM minor is typically asymptomatic & therefore needs no treatment, as an lesions will clear up by themselves within 2-4 weeks. In herpes virus induced EM minor, Zovirax or Valtrex pills will help, Although only if started in an first few days. If an EM keeps recurring, a continuous low dose of Zovirax or Valtrex will prevent it.

Corticosteroids In severely ill patients temic corticosteroids are usually given (prednisone 50 For 80 mg/d in divided doses, quickly tapered), Although their effectiveness has not beeen established by controlled studies.

Most cases of erythema multiforme completely recover. There may be dark marks for a few months when an patches clear up. Sometimes, an condition recurs, particularly if an cold sore virus was an cause. If it happens several times a year, continuous aciclovir may prevent it.

Prevention of Erythema multiforme

• Good hygiene & isolation from others may be required For prevent secondary infections .
• Control of herpes simplex oral acyclovir may prevent development current erythema multiforme.