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Check if it's erythema multiforme. The main symptom of erythema multiforme is a rash. The rash usually appears on your hands and feet, and spreads to your tummy, chest, back or face. It might feel itchy or like it's burning. The rash usually starts as round, slightly raised spots.
- Overview
- What is erythema multiforme?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Contagiousness
- Treatment
- Diagnosis
- Erythema multiforme vs. erythema migrans
- Outlook
Erythema multiforme is an immune-mediated reaction that causes a raised, red, target-like rash on the skin or mucous membranes. It often resolves on its own but may require medical treatment.
Its name combines the Latin “erythema” (redness), “multi” (many), and “forme” (shapes) and describes its main symptom.
Erythema multiforme minor is usually a mild condition that causes a rash on the skin. Erythema multiforme major can be severe, affecting the mucous membranes, and typically requires more extensive treatment.
Erythema multiforme can affect people of any age, with children representing 20 percent of cases. However, it most commonly occurs in young adults between 20 and 30 years old. It is more prevalent in men, affecting five men for every one woman.
What does it look like?
Erythema multiforme minor presents as a bulging, rash-like lesion that is red, pink, or purple. It may look like a hive or a somewhat round bull’s-eye target. The center of the lesion is typically darker with lighter pink edges. The lesion is often circular and less than 3 centimeters (cm) in size, though it may be larger or smaller. The outermost circle has a well-defined border, while the center may be a blister. The condition almost always involves the palms of the hands. People may think erythema multiforme major looks similar to erythema multiforme minor. However, the most significant difference in the major type is the amount of mucus and the size of the affected areas. With erythema multiforme major, at least two mucous membranes will have lesions. The rash is still shaped like a bull’s-eye in the major type, but it may be slightly larger, and the circles may run into each other. The lesions are more likely to blister and burst, and these areas of skin may be sore and oozing.
Where does it appear?
Erythema multiforme minor may affect the feet, face, ears, palms, and back of the hands. It often presents initially on the hands or feet before moving toward the torso. Erythema multiforme major typically affects the mouth, genitals, anus, or eyes.
A person with erythema multiforme may also experience the following symptoms:
•itching and burning rash, which is the most common symptom
•fever or body temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
•headache
•general feeling of being unwell, sometimes before the rash appears
•joint pain and swelling
Herpes simplex virus
Herpes infection is the primary cause of erythema multiforme. The herpes simplex virus (HSV) is present in 70 percent of recurrent erythema multiforme cases. Both types of herpes simplex virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2) can cause the condition, but HSV-1, which also causes cold sores, is responsible for most cases. Herpes outbreaks typically happen 7 to 10 days before erythema multiforme develops. However, it is possible to develop erythema multiforme without herpes symptoms.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Another cause of erythema multiforme is Mycoplasma pneumoniae infection, a contagious respiratory infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae) bacteria. In children, erythema multiforme is a complication in 2–10% of cases of M. pneumoniae infection. If doctors suspect M. pneumoniae is causing erythema multiforme, they will likely treat it immediately.
Other infectious causes
Other common causes of erythema multiforme include viral infections such as: •cytomegalovirus •influenza •Epstein-Barr, which causes mono •adenovirus •hepatitis •HIV •parapoxvirus
Erythema multiforme is not contagious in itself. A person cannot get the rash from coming in contact with someone who has it.
However, if the underlying cause is a viral infection, that condition may be transmittable.
Erythema multiforme minor usually resolves by itself, but treatment is sometimes necessary. A doctor might prescribe topical steroids if symptoms persist.
Erythema multiforme major requires much more treatment. People with oozing lesions will need bandages and pain relievers.
If a person is losing a lot of fluid from the blisters, they may also need to receive intravenous fluids through an IV line — possibly in a hospital setting if the lesions are extensive. Doctors might also prescribe steroids, mouthwashes with topical anesthetic, and eye drops.
If HSV causes the skin reaction, some doctors suggest using an oral antiviral medication called acyclovir. Acyclovir can be particularly beneficial as a prevention method for recurrent cases of erythema multiforme resulting from HSV.
Blood tests are not necessary to diagnose erythema multiforme. Doctors can usually identify it by observing the lesions.
Occasionally, a skin biopsy may be necessary to rule out other conditions. To do this, a doctor will take a small sample of skin from the affected area and send it to a laboratory for analysis.
Doctors may do a chest X-ray if they suspect M. pneumoniae is the cause.
People sometimes confuse erythema multiforme with Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, as skin reactions of this type have similar symptoms. These conditions are medical emergencies.
Erythema migrans is a skin condition specifically associated with Lyme disease. It appears as a bull’s-eye rash on the skin with a central clearing.
Unlike the lesions of erythema multiforme, those of erythema migrans are bigger in size, ranging from about 5–68 cm on average. The lesions will usually appear 3 days to a month after a person is bitten by a tick and contracts Lyme disease.
Erythema multiforme is a skin condition that develops in response to infection or, in rare cases, certain medications. In its minor form, erythema multiforme will usually get better in 2-4 weeks.
Doctors will try to identify and treat the cause of erythema multiforme, but they may also prescribe topical treatments for the rash.
- Adrienne Stinson
If your erythema multiforme is more severe (erythema multiforme major), you may have a fever and a headache, and feel unwell for a few days before the rash appears. Blisters on your skin may rupture and leave painful raw areas. If your eyes are affected, you may become sensitive to light and notice blurring of your vision. R aw areas inside
Erythema multiforme is a rare condition that can affect anyone, but it’s most common among children, young adults and people under the age of 40. How does erythema multiforme affect my body? Erythema multiforme usually causes a painful or uncomfortable rash on your skin.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Erythema Multiforme? Erythema multiforme (air-uh-THEE-muh mul-teh-FOR-mee) starts with pink or red blotches. They grow over a few days into round spots that look like targets with red, pink, and pale rings.
Feb 29, 2024 · Learn about erythema multiforme in children, including its signs, symptoms, and available treatment options. Find out how to recognize this condition and what steps to take for effective management.
People also ask
How common is erythema multiforme?
What is erythema multiforme minor?
How do you know if you have erythema multiforme?
How do you know if your child has erythema multiforme major?
Erythema multiforme (EM) is a hypersensitivity reaction (when the immune system mistakenly identifies a harmless substance as harmful) which tends to develop suddenly. Usually, it will disappear on its own, but sometimes treatment may be required. It can occur in any age group but is seen mainly in young adults. EM is slightly more common in men.
