Erythema multiforme
Cause
In erythema multiforme, the victim has usually reacted to an infection, often herpes simplex, or to a drug, but
other factors have occasionally been implicated .
• Viral infections, especially:
a) herpes simplex
b) hepatitis A, B and C
c) mycoplasma
d) orf
• Bacterial infections.
• Fungal infections ( coccidioidomycosis ).
• Parasitic infestations.
• Drugs.
• Pregnancy.
• Malignancy, or its treatment with radiotherapy Idiopathic.
Presentation
The symptoms of an upper respiratory tract infection may precede the eruption. Typically, annular non-scaling
plaques appear on the palms, soles, forearms and legs. They may be slightly more purple than the wheals of
ordinary urticaria. Individual lesions enlarge but clear centrally. A new lesion may begin at the same site as the
original one, so that the two concentric plaques look like a target . Some lesions blister. The Stevens–Johnson
syndrome is a severe variant of erythema multiforme associated with fever and mucous membrane lesions. The
oral mucosa, lips and bulbar conjunctivae are most commonly affected, but the nares, penis, vagina, pharynx,
larynx and tracheobronchial tree may also be involved.
Course
Crops of new lesions appear for 1 or 2 weeks, or until the responsible drug or other factor has been eliminated.
Individual lesions last several days, and this differentiates them from the more fleeting lesions of an annular
urticaria. The site of resolved lesions is marked transiently by hyperpigmentation, particularly in pigmented
individuals. A recurrent variant of erythema multiforme exists, characterized by repeated attacks; this merges
with a rare form in which lesions continue to develop over a prolonged period, even for years.
Complications
There are usually no complications. However, severe lesions in the tracheo-bronchial tree of patients with
Stevens–Johnson syndrome can lead to asphyxia, and ulcers of the bulbar conjunctiva to blindness. Corneal
ulcers, anterior uveitis and panophthalmitis may also occur. Genital ulcers can cause urinary retention, and
phimosis or vaginal stricture after they heal.
Differential diagnosis
Erythema multiforme can mimic the annular variant of urticaria as described above. However, target lesions are
pathognomonic of erythema multiforme. Its acral distribution, the way individual lesions last for more than 24 h,
their purple colour and the involvement of mucous membranes all help to identify erythema multiforme. Other
bullous disorders may enter the differential diagnosis .
Investigations
The histology of erythema multiforme is distinctive. Its main features are epidermal necrosis and dermal
changes, consisting of endothelial swelling, a mixed lymphohistiocytic perivascular infiltrate and papillary
dermal oedema. The abnormalities may be predominantly epidermal or dermal, or a combination of both; they
probably depend on the age of the lesion biopsied.
Most investigations are directed towards identifying a cause. A careful history helps rule out a drug reaction.
Tzanck smears (p. 35) or culture of suspicious prodromal vesicles may identify a precipitating herpes simplex
infection, which usually is almost healed by the time the erythema multiforme erupts. A chest X-ray and
serological tests should identify mycoplasmal pneumonia. A search for other infectious agents, neoplasia,
endocrine causes or collagen disease is sometimes necessary, especially when the course is prolonged or
recurrent. About 50% of cases have no demonstrable provoking factor.
Treatment
The best treatment for erythema multiforme is to identify and remove its cause. In mild cases, only symptomatic
treatment is needed and this includes the use of antihistamines.
The Stevens–Johnson syndrome, on the other hand, may demand immediate consultation between dermatologists
and specialists in other fields such as ophthalmology, urology and infectious diseases, depending on the
particular case. Intravenous infusions of human gammaglobulin seem to be worthwhile. The use of systemic
steroids to abort Stevens–Johnson syndrome is debatable, but many believe that a short course (e.g. prednisolone
80 mg/day in divided doses in an adult) helps. However, the dose should be tapered rapidly or stopped because
prolonged treatment in the Stevens– Johnson syndrome has been linked, controversially, with a high
complication rate. Good nursing care with attention to the mouth and eyes is essential. The prevention of
secondary infection, maintenance of a patent airway, good nutrition, and proper fluid and electrolyte balance are
important.
Herpes simplex infections should be suspected in recurrent or continuous erythema multiforme of otherwise
unknown cause. Treatment with oral acyclovir 200 mg three to five times daily or valciclovir 500 mg twice daily
(Formulary 2, p. 344) may prevent attacks, both of herpes simplex and of the recurrent erythema multiforme
which follows it.
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