Is erythema multiforme an allergic reaction?

Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder that’s considered to be an allergic reaction to medicine or an infection. Symptoms are symmetrical, red, raised skin areas that can appear all over the body. They do seem to be more noticeable on the fingers and toes.

What causes erythema multiforme minor?

The cause of erythema multiforme is unknown, but it appears to be an allergic reaction that occurs in response to medications, infections, or illness. As noted above, it often appears in association with herpes simplex virus or with infectious organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What is the most common cause of erythema multiforme?

What causes erythema multiforme? Most often, this skin problem is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Other causes are: Fungal and bacterial infections, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae.

What mimics erythema multiforme?

The appearance of the characteristic lesion is usually diagnostic. However, conditions such as tinea corporis, lupus erythematosus, herpetic gingivostomatitis, Behçet’s disease and erosive lichen planus, among others, may mimic erythema multiforme.

How do you confirm erythema multiforme?

Blood tests are not necessary to diagnose erythema multiforme, which doctors can usually identify by looking at the rash. 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.

Does erythema multiforme come and go?

Erythema multiforme goes away on its own. If the cause is an infection, the doctor may treat that. If a medicine was the cause, the doctor will stop it and use a new one if a medicine is still needed. If your child has erythema multiforme caused by the cold sore germ, the rash might come back when cold sores come back.

What are the symptoms of erythema multiforme skin disorder?

What is erythema multiforme? Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder that’s considered to be an allergic reaction to medicine or an infection. Symptoms are symmetrical, red, raised skin areas that can appear all over the body. They do seem to be more noticeable on the fingers and toes.

How old do you have to be to get erythema multiforme?

Erythema multiforme (EM) is a rare skin disorder that mainly affects children. When seen in adults, it usually occurs between the ages of 20 and 40, although it can happen to people of any age.

How is erythema multiforme minor different from Stevens Johnson syndrome?

Erythema multiforme minor is not very serious and usually clears up with medicine to control infection or inflammation. However, if a person develops a more severe form of erythema multiforme (erythema multiforme major), the condition can become fatal. Erythema multiforme major is also known as Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

What does erythema multiforme ( EM ) stand for?

General Discussion. Erythema multiforme (EM) is the name applied to a group of hypersensitivity disorders, affecting mostly children and young adults, and characterized by symmetric red, patchy lesions, primarily on the arms and legs.