Erythema Multiforme - Treatment and Symptoms

Erythema multiforme (EM) it is also a skin disorder in which there is an inflammatory skin eruption. It is a type of hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction that occurs in response to medications, infections, or illness. The rashes are made of spots that are red welts, sometimes with purple or blistered areas in the center. It often also affects the mouth, eyes and other moist surfaces. Erythema multiforme has been so named because of the "multiple forms" it appears in; there is a large degree of variety in its clinical presentation. This variation has led to EM being divided into two overlapping subgroups (EM minor and Stevens-Johnson syndrome). These are different faces of the same disease.

What are the symptoms of Erythema Multiforme ?

Follwoing are the symptoms of Erythema multiforme

• Multiple skin lesions:
  • With sudden onset, which may recur
  • That may spread
  • That may appear as nodule , papule , or macule
  • Central lesion surrounded by concentric rings of paleness and redness, also called "target", "iris", or "bull's eye"
  • May have vesicles and bullae (blisters of various sizes)
  • Located on the legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet
  • May involve the face or lips
  • Trunk is usually not involved
  • Usually symmetrical
• Itching of the skin may be present
• Fever
• General ill feeling
• Joint aches

• Vision abnormalities
• Dry eyes
• Bloodshot eyes
• Eye pain
• Eye burning, itching and discharge
• Mouth sores

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