ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

Erythema multiforme is a skin condition that is thought to be caused by an allergic response to a certain drugs or an infection. Asymmetrical, red, elevated skin regions may emerge anywhere on the body as symptoms. On rare cases, this condition can be life-threatening when it affects the eyes, genitals, and the mouth. Nevertheless, this condition is often mild and is likely to go away within 2-4 weeks.

SYMPTOMS

The following are the most prevalent erythema multiforme symptoms:

  • Red patches and blisters appear suddenly, commonly on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and the face.
  • Red “targets” that are flat and circular (dark circles with purple-grey centers)
  • Itching
  • Sores caused by the cold
  • Fatigue
  • Joint pains
  • Swollen lips
  • Fever
  • Blurred vision
  • Sensitivity to light

For more severe forms of  this skin condition, the red patches may form closely to each other, resulting in large, painful, and raw red areas. If symptoms persist, visit your doctor at once.

DIAGNOSIS

Clinical diagnosis of erythema multiforme is based on the patient’s medical history and physical examination. It’s crucial to inquire about current disease symptoms and treatment usage. The majority of erythema multiforme instances do not need additional testing.

However, skin biopsies and laboratory testing will help rule out other skin conditions that show similar symptoms to erythema multiforme. Many disorders, like pityriasis rosea, urticaria, viral exanthema, fixed drug eruption, bullous pemphigoid, SJS, polymorphous light eruption, paraneoplastic pemphigus, and hypersensitivity responses, are included in the differential diagnosis. 

TREATMENT

In order to treat erythema multiforme, your physician will aim to address the underlying causes of your condition. To do so, you may be asked to:

  • stop taking medications that may have caused your symptoms
  • use omollients and antihistamines to lessen your itching
  • take antiviral tablets for the infection
  • reduce inflammation and redness through the use of steroid cream
  • use anesthetic mouthwash for your mouth sores

Additionally, the following treatment procedures may be done, depending on the severity of your erythema multiforme:

  • cool compress
  • IV fluids
  • antibiotics
  • hospitalization
  • stronger painkillers
  • eye drops (if the condition affects your eyes)
  • soft or liquid diet

If complications arise, contact your physician at once.

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