Erythema multiforme secondary to herpes simplex infection: a case report

BACKGROUND: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a complex disease that may have cutaneous and/or mucosal involvement. The severity may range from mild to severe and potentially life threatening. The literature cites many factors including viruses, infections, and medications as causes. This report documents a patient who developed EM secondary to a herpes simplex viral (HSV) infection. METHODS: Two weeks following an eruption of herpes labialis, a 20-year-old white female patient developed acutely painful oral and labial ulcers accompanied by target skin lesions. A diagnosis of erythema multiforme (EM) was made. The patient was treated with antivirals, analgesics, and symptomatic therapy. RESULTS: Nine days after the onset of symptoms, the oral and cutaneous lesions had started to heal and the patient no longer required pain medication. CONCLUSIONS: Although the etiology of EM is still often unknown, infections with herpes simplex virus have been implicated as a possible precipitating factor. This case illustrates the association of the occurrence of EM with an HSV infection.