Pronounced: Er-uh-thee-ma Multi-form-aye
Erythema multiforme is a common skin disorder. It consists of target-like circular lesions. They have a red center, pale ring, and dark red outer ring. These lesions appear suddenly on the legs, arms, palms, hands, feet, and inside the mouth.
In some cases this condition can be caused by a reaction to an infection or certain medications. Often the cause is unknown.
Erythema multiforme minor is most commonly associated with:
Other triggers connected with erythema multiforme major include:
Exposure to any of the known causes increase the risk. The conditions more commonly occurs in:
Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. If you have any of these do not assume it is due to erythema multiforme. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. You may be referred to a doctor who specializes in skin problems.
Most cases can be diagnosed based on your medical history and skin exam. If target lesions are present, then diagnosis is clear. The skin lesions may not be typical. In this case, a biopsy of the skin may be done. The skin sample is examined under a microscope.
Treatment for this condition involves:
Treatment options include the following:
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Dermatology
http://www/aad.org/
American Family Physician
http://www.aafp.org/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Dermatology Association
http://www.dermatology.ca/english
Dermatologists.ca
http://www.dermatologists.ca/index.html
References:
Erythema multiforme. British Association of Dermatologists website. Available at: http://www.bad.org.uk/patients/leaflets/erythema.asp . Accessed September 20, 2005.
Erythema multiforme. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf?opendatabase . Accessed September 20, 2005.
Erythema multiforme. New Zealand Dermatological Society website. Available at: http://www.dermnetnz.org/reactions/erythema-multiforme.html . Accessed September 20, 2005.
Katta R. Taking aim at erythema multiforme. Postgraduate Medicine Online. Available at: http://www.postgradmed.com/issues/2000/01_00/katta.htm . Accessed September 20, 2005.
Erythema multiforme. US National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health website. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000851.htm . Accessed September 20, 2005.
Last reviewed January 2009 by Ross Zeltser, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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