Erythema Multiforme: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained

Erythema Multiforme: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Explained

Question. Write a short note on erythema multiforme.

erythema multiforme

Answer. Erythema multiforme is an acute inflammatory dermatological disorder that involves skin, mucous membrane,s and sometimes internal organs.

“Understanding the role of erythema multiforme in skin health: Q&A explained”

“Importance of studying erythema multiforme for better diagnostic outcomes: Questions explained”

Etiology Of Erythema multiforme

• Infection: TB, herpes simplex.
• Drug hypersensitivity: Barbiturates, sulphonamides, salicylates.
• Hyperimmune reaction: Due to formation of antigen-antibody complex against submucosal and derma blood vessels.

Types Of Erythema multiforme

• EM minor or erythema multiforme minor.
  It represents the localized eruption of skin with mild or no mucosal involvement.
• EM major or erythema multiforme major or Steven Johnson syndrome (SJS)
  It is more severe mucosal and skin disease and is potentially life­threatening disorder.

“Common challenges in diagnosing erythema multiforme effectively: FAQs provided”

Clinical Features Of Erythema multiforme

• It occurs between the age of 15 to 40 years and males are more commonly affected.
• Rapidly developing erythematous macules, papules, vesicle or bulla appear symmetrically over hand and arm, legs and feet, face and neck.
• Classical dermal lesions of erythema multiforme, which often appear on extremities are called “Bull’s eye”.
• Vesicles of mucosal surface are short-lived and become eroded or ulcerated and bleed profusely.
• Patient also develops tracheobronchial ulceration and pneumonia.

“Steps to explain causes of erythema multiforme: Infections vs medications: Q&A guide”

Histopathology of Erythema Multiforme

• It usually consists of acanthosis, intercellular or intracellular edema, and necrosis of the epithelium.
• Vesicles may form within epithelium or at the epithelial connective tissue junction.
• Subepithelial connective tissue shows edema and perivascular infiltration of lymphocytes and macrophages.

Treatment for Erythema multiforme

Topical and systemic steroid therapy coupled with an antibiotic.