Erythema Multiforme - Information on Erythema Multiforme

Erythema Multiforme Information

Erythema Multiforme is basically a skin disease typical to youth, but Erythema Multiforme may occur to the people at any age.

We have provided you here all symptoms, causes and treatment methods of Erythema Multiforme. Erythema Multiforme is divided into two types: minor and major. The minor form is referred to as EM minor and the major form is Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Erythema Multiforme minor is the less severe of the two. More than eighty percent of the population suffers with the form of the disorder. The rash appears over a few days, it can last from one to four weeks, and then it will begin to fade, and sometimes it can leave a brown scar.

Causes of Erythema Multiforme

The cause of the Erythema Multiforme is unknown. Other causes of this skin disorder include an interaction with certain medications, other infectious diseases and sometimes certain vaccines. It comes down to an allergic reaction to something, and the key is pinpointing what that is.

Treatment of Erythema Multiforme

Treatment of mild symptoms may include:

• Moist compresses applied to skin lesions
• Medications such as antihistamines to control itching
• Over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen) to reduce fever and discomfort
• Topical anesthetics (especially for mouth lesions) to ease discomfort that interferes with eating and drinking

Treatment of severe symptoms may include:

• Hospitalization and treatment in an intensive care or burn care unit for severe cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
• Systemic corticosteroids to control inflammation
• Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) to stop the process
• Antibiotics to control secondary skin infections
• Skin grafting may be helpful in cases in which large areas of the body are affected.
• In cases that are caused by the herpes virus, daily antiviral medications may be prescribed to prevent recurrences of erythema multiforme.