Erythema Multiforme - Medtick
Medtick

Erythema Multiforme

What is it?

Erythema multiforme is a hypersensitivity reaction usually triggered by infections, most commonly herpes simplex virus (HSV).

  • It presents with a skin eruption characterised by a typical target lesion. There may be mucous membrane involvement.
  • It is acute (appears with in 3 days of the cause) and self-limiting (normally heals within 7 days), usually resolving without complications.
  • It can reoccur several times within a year.
  • Erythema multiforme is divided into major and minor forms and is now regarded as distinct from Stevens–Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
  • Erythema multiforme most commonly affects young adults (20–40 years of age), however all age groups and races can be affected.
  • There is a male predominance.
  • There is a genetic tendency to erythema multiforme. Certain tissue types are more often found in people with herpes-associated erythema multiforme (HLA-DQw3) and recurrent erythema multiforme (HLA-B15, -B35, -A33, -DR53, -DQB1*0301).

Cause

What triggers erythema multiforme?

Infections

  • Infections are probably associated with at least 90% of cases of erythema multiforme.
  • The single most common trigger for developing erythema multiforme is herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection, usually herpes labialis (cold sore on the lip) and less often genital herpes.
  • HSV type 1 is more commonly associated than type 2.
  • The herpes infection usually precedes the skin eruption by 3–14 days.
  • Mycoplasma pneumonia (a lung infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae) is the next most common trigger.
  • Many different virus infections have been reported to trigger erythema multiforme including:
  • Dermatophyte fungal infections (tinea) have also been reported in association with erythema multiforme.

Medication

DermNet New Zealand

Complications /Information to beware of/General tips:

This condition may show similar symptoms to:

Please talk to your healthcare professional (i.e. Medical Doctor/Pharmacist) for further advice

Detailed Information

Please copy and paste any key words from the title: Erythema Multiforme in the following respective 'Medtick References and/or Sources' to find out more about the disease (this also may include diagnosis tests and generic medical treatments).

© Medtick - 2025. All Rights Reserved.