Erytheme Multiform Flashcards
(12 cards)
What condition is this?

Erythema Multiforme

What is the typical history with someone with erytheme multiforme?
They will usually have an URTI then start to develop a rash within 3 days. The rash will spread from the extremities to the trunk.
What is the most common cause of Erytheme Multiform?
Herpes simplex virus
(50% of cases caused by HSV)
What is the second most common cause of erythema multiforme?
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
What are some viral causes of Erythema Multiforme?
- Herpes simplex (most common cause)
- Adenoviruses
- Influenza
What are some bacterial causes of erythema multiforme?
- Pneumonia - mycoplasma pneumoniae (second most common cause), pneumococcus
- Syphilis
- Typhoid
- Streptococcus
- TB
What are some non-cancerous diseases that cause erythema multiforme?
- Polycythaemia
- Connective Tissue Disease (e.g. SLE)
- Sarcoidosis
- Vasculitidies
What malignancies can cause Erythema multiforme?
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukaemia
- Multiple myeloma
What drugs can cause erythema multiforme?
- Sulphonamides
- Tetracyclines
- Amoxicillin & Ampicillin
- NSAIDs
- Anticonvulsants - carbemazepine
- COCP
- Allopurinol
How do you treat Erythema Multiforme & what is its prognosis?
- Stop offending drugs
- Treat bacterial infections,
- Give antivirals if recurrent HSV infections. Can give antiseptics to prevent secdonary infections.
- If EM Major (Steve Johnsons Syndrome) then admit, get bloods, and give steroids.
- Prognosis- Usually resolves in 2-3 weeks in EM minor.
- EM Major takes 3-6 weeks to resolve.
- Mortality occurs in 5% of EM Major and usually correlates with increasing age, elevated blood urea and immune compromise.



