Erythema Multiformis

Definition of erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme is a skin reaction and sometimes recurrent hypersensitivity that can be triggered by infection (usually herpes simplex virus) or with drugs. Erythema Multiformis is not contagious, usually benign and can disappear within a few weeks, which is classified as erythema multiforme minor. There are also major erythema multiforme, with more serious conditions that affect the mouth, eyes and even genitals, which can be life-threatening.

Erythema multiforme is a rare skin disorder and usually affects children. In adults, this condition usually occurs in people aged 20 to 40 years, although it can be felt at any age. Men are more likely to experience erythema multiforme than women.
Additional explanation
The symptoms

Most people with erythema multiforme experience only a rash. The rash will appear suddenly and will develop for several days. The rash will start with the hands or feet and spread to the upper and lower limbs (especially the knees and elbows), upper limbs, face and neck. Eruption will have the following conditions.

• It starts with small red spots and can appear several centimeters.
• It has an area that looks like a target ("Bull's Eye") with a dark red center that can form blisters or crust and is surrounded by a pale pink ring. The outer ring is darker in color.
• Somewhat annoying or uncomfortable
• Usually disappears after two to four weeks

In erythema multiforme minor, there are usually no symptoms other than a stabbing or stabbing rash, burning sensation, hot body or fever, and muscle weakness.

In more severe cases, the rash can combine to form large, red, and painful red areas. This condition usually occurs in erythema multiforme major.

Other symptoms of main erythema multiforme include:

• Fever greater than or equal to 38 ° C
• Headache
• Feeling bad in general
• Sores in the mouth, causing difficulty eating and drinking
• Her lips are swollen and crisp, making conversation difficult
• Genital sores and pain when urinating
• The eyes become red and sore
• Sensitivity to light and blurred vision
• Joint pain

Large Erythema multiforme is now considered a different form of Johnson's steven syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.

The cause

The exact cause of erythema multiforme is unknown. Most cases of Erythema Multiformis are caused by an infection reaction (often the herpes simplex virus) that causes the immune system to attack skin cells or drugs.

Some medications that can cause multiple erythema are:

• Anti-inflammatory non-steroids
• Antibiotics such as penicillin
• Seizure medicine
• Dope
• barbiturates

Immunization against hepatitis B or DPaT can also cause erythema multiforme. However, this condition rarely occurs.
diagnosis

The doctor will diagnose erythema multiforme by observing the size, shape, color, and extent of the rash. The doctor will also do several tests. One of them, through a skin biopsy to rule out other skin diseases, and several examinations to identify infections commonly associated with erythema multiforme. For example, the herpes simplex virus (90% of cases of erythema multiformis associated with this virus) and mycoplasma pneumonia, which is a bacterial infection that causes infection in the lungs and is the second most common trigger. after the herpes simplex virus.
treatment

Management of erythema multiforme aims to address the cause of the disease, to reduce symptoms and prevent skin infections. The doctor will recommend:

• Stopping any medication that can trigger symptoms
• Antihistamines and moisturizing creams to reduce itching
• Steroid cream to reduce redness and swelling
• Relieve pain
• Antivirus tablets if the cause is a viral infection
• Anesthetic mouthwash to relieve discomfort in the mouth

In more severe cases, treatment can be done in the hospital by:

• A stronger painkiller
• Wrap the wound to prevent wound infection
• Soft or liquid diet if there are serious sores in the mouth
• Steroid tablets, to stop inflammation
• Antibiotics, in the case of bacterial infections
• Eye drops or ointment if the eyes are affected

Doctor's information
When to see a doctor?

Check with your doctor right away if you think that you or your child have erythema multiforme. Your doctor or skin specialist will diagnose your condition by observing the rash. If erythema multiforme major is suspected, you will immediately be referred to the hospital because the condition is serious.

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