Erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme
Classification and external resources
Erythema multiforme minor of the hands ( note the blanching centers of the lesion )
ICD-10	L51
ICD-9	695.1
DiseasesDB	4450
MedlinePlus	000851
eMedicine	derm/137
MeSH	D004892

Erythema multiforme is a skin condition of unknown cause, possibly mediated by deposition of immune complex (mostly IgM) in the superficial microvasculature of the skin and oral mucous membrane that usually follows an infection or drug exposure. It is a common disorder, with peak incidence in the second and third decades of life.

Presentation

The condition varies from a mild, self-limited rash (E. multiforme minor)^[1] to a severe, life-threatening form known as erythema multiforme major (or erythema multiforme majus) that also involves mucous membranes. This severe form may be related to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The mild form is far more common than the severe form. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy.

The mild form usually presents with mildly itchy (but itching can be very severe), pink-red blotches, symmetrically arranged and starting on the extremities. It often takes on the classical "target lesion" appearance,^[2] with a pink-red ring around a pale center. Resolution within 7–10 days is the norm.

Individuals with persistent (chronic) erythema multiforme will often have a sore form at an injury site, eg. a minor scratch or abrasion, within a week. Irritation or even pressure from clothing will cause the erythema sore to continue to expand along its margins for weeks or months, long after the original sore at the center heals.

Causes

The most common predisposing infection is Herpes simplex, but bacterial infections (commonly Mycoplasma) and fungal diseases are also implicated. Herpes simplex virus suppression and even prophylaxis (with acyclovir) has been shown to prevent recurrent erythema multiforme eruption.^[3] The human form of orf can also cause erythema multiforme.^{[citation needed]}

Other causes include drug reactions, most commonly to sulfa drugs, phenytoin, barbiturates, penicillin, and allopurinol, or a host of internal ailments.

Persistent (chronic) erythema multiforme has been linked to ingestion of benzoates in both natural and artificial forms, including benzoic acid, which occurs naturally in some fruit, and sodium benzoate, a common food preservative.

Treatment

Erythema multiforme is frequently self-limiting and requires no treatment. The appropriateness of glucocorticoid therapy can be uncertain, because it is difficult to determine if the course will be self-limiting.^[4]

Erythema multiforme reaction to an antibiotic   "Erythema multiforme major" ( Stevens-Johnson syndrome); which resembles "erythema multiforme"   Target lesion

Erythema Multiforme target lesions on the leg, Nell Brigham, 2011

See also

• Erythema multiforme major
• Erythema multiforme minor
• Toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome

References

1. ^ "erythema multiforme" at Dorland's Medical Dictionary
2. ^ Lamoreux MR, Sternbach MR, Hsu WT (December 2006). "Erythema multiforme". Am Fam Physician 74 (11): 1883–8. PMID 17168345. http://www.aafp.org/afp/20061201/1883.html. 
3. ^ Tatnall FM et al: A double blind plaebo controlled trial of continuous acyclovir therapy in recurrent erythema multiforme. Br J Dermatol132:267,1995
4. ^ Yeung AK, Goldman RD (November 2005). "Use of steroids for erythema multiforme in children". Can Fam Physician 51: 1481–3. PMC 1479482. PMID 16353829. http://www.cfp.ca/cgi/pmidlookup?view=long&pmid=16353829. 

This cutaneous condition article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.v · Categories: Erythemas Cutaneous condition stubs Wikimedia Foundation. 2010. Игры ⚽ Нужно решить контрольную? Ian Campbell Dunn Standartenführer Look at other dictionaries: Erythema multiforme — Klassifikation nach ICD 10 L51 Erythema exsudativum multiforme …   Deutsch Wikipedia Erythema multiforme — This entry on erythema multiforme pertain specifically to the Stevens Johnson syndrome (SJS). It is a systemic (bodywide) disease with a characteristic rash involving the skin and mucous membranes, including the buccal mucosa (inside of the… …   Medical dictionary erythema multiforme minus — a mild self limited mucocutaneous form of erythema multiforme that sometimes has a prodrome of fever, cough, and pharyngitis. In addition to the characteristic target lesions, there may be erythematous macules and papules, purpura, and occasional …   Medical dictionary erythema multiforme — noun a red rash caused by hypersensitivity to a drug or disease or other allergen • Hypernyms: ↑erythema * * * ˌməltəˈfȯr(ˌ)mē noun Etymology: New Latin, literally, multiform erythema : a skin disease characterized by papular or vesicular… …   Useful english dictionary erythema multiforme majus — Stevens Johnson syndrome …   Medical dictionary Erythema nodosum — Classification and external resources Erythema nodosum in a person who had recently had streptococcal pharyngitis ICD 10 L …   Wikipedia Erythema annulare centrifugum — Classification and external resources ICD 10 L53.1 ICD 9 695.0 …   Wikipedia Erythema ab igne — Classification and external resources Erythema ab igne in a person with chronic abdominal pain who found some relief from the application of heat. ICD 10 L …   Wikipedia multiforme — see ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME, GLIOBLASTOMA MULTIFORME …   Medical dictionary Erythema — Not to be confused with Arrythmia. Erythema Classification and external resources Characteristic bull s eye rash (erythema migrans) of early Lyme …   Wikipedia 18+ © Academic, 2000-2024 Contact us: Technical Support, Advertising Dictionaries export, created on PHP, Joomla, Drupal, WordPress, MODx. Mark and share Search through all dictionaries Translate… Search Internet Share the article and excerpts Direct link … Do a right-click on the link above and select “Copy Link”