Erythema multiforme: a literature review and case report |
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Authors: | James A Krippaehne DMD Michael T Montgomery DDS |
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Institution: | General Practice Resident, Department of General Practice;Associate Professor, Department of General Practice, both at the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas 78284 |
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Abstract: | Erythema multiforme is a florid mucocutaneous disease characterized by oral, cutaneous, and ocular manifestations. The cutaneous lesions are pathognomonic because of their unique "target-like" appearance. A severe form of EM has been termed "Stevens-Johnson Syndrome". Although the etiology of EM is unknown, much of the research suggests an immunological association with HSV. The diagnosis of EM is based on signs and symptoms, and a differential diagnosis should include other ulcerative, mucocutaneous diseases, such as erosive lichen planus, pemphigus, varicella zoster, ANUG, TEN, aphthous stomatitis, and primary HSV. Therapeutic measures are palliative, including a soft bland diet, topical anesthetics, and corticosteroids. A case of EM is described which underscores the appearance of the disease and its clinical course. |
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