BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuErythema multiformeEM; Erythema multiforme minor; Erythema multiforme major; Erythema multiforme minor - erythema multiforme von Hebra; Acute bullous disorder - erythema multiforme; Herpes simplex - erythema multiformeErythema multiforme (EM) is an acute skin reaction that comes from an infection or another trigger. EM is a self-limiting disease. This means it usually resolves on its own without treatment. Causes EM is a type of allergic reaction. In most cases, it occurs in response to an infection. In rare cases, it is caused by certain medicines or body-wide (systemic) illness.Allergic reactionAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections that may lead to EM include:Viruses, such as herpes simplex that cause cold sores and genital herpes (most common) Herpes simplexOral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus. It causes small, painful blisters commonly called cold sore...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniaethat cause lung infection Mycoplasma pneumoniaePneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M pn...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fungi, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, that cause histoplasmosisHistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines that may cause EM include:NSAIDs Allopurinol (treats gout) Certain antibiotics, such as sulfonamides and aminopenicillins Anti-seizure medicinesSystemic illnesses that are associated with EM include:Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article EM occurs mostly in adults 20 to 40 years old. People with EM may have family members who have had EM as well. Symptoms Symptoms of EM include:Low-grade fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Headache Sore throat Cough Runny nose General ill feeling General ill feelingMalaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Itchy skin ItchyItching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Joint aches Joint achesJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Many skin lesions (sores or abnormal areas) Skin lesionsRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin sores may:Start quickly Come back Spread Be raised or discolored Look like hives Have a central sore surrounded by pale red rings, also called a target, iris, or bulls-eye Have liquid-filled bumps or blisters of various sizes Be located on the upper body, legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet Include the face or lips Appear evenly on both sides of the body (symmetrical) Other symptoms may include:Bloodshot eyes Bloodshot eyesEye redness is most often due to swollen or dilated blood vessels. This makes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry eyes Eye burning, itching, and discharge Eye burning, itching, and dischargeEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eye pain Eye painPain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Mouth sores Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vision problems There are two forms of EM:EM minor usually involves the skin and sometimes mouth sores. EM major often starts with a fever and joint aches. Besides the skin sores and mouth sores, there may be sores in the eyes, genitals, lung airways, or gut. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will look at your skin to diagnose EM. You'll be asked about your medical history, such as recent infections or medicines you've taken.Tests may include:Skin lesion biopsy Skin lesion biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Examination of skin tissue under a microscope Treatment EM usually goes away on its own with or without treatment.Your provider will have you stop taking any medicines that may be causing the problem. But, don't stop taking medicines on your own without talking to your provider first.Treatment may include:Medicines, such as antihistamines, to control itching Moist compresses applied to the skin Pain medicines to reduce fever and discomfort Mouthwashes to ease discomfort of mouth sores that interferes with eating and drinking Antibiotics for skin infections Corticosteroids to control inflammation Medicines for eye symptomsGood hygiene may help prevent secondary infections (infections that occur from treating the first infection).Secondary infectionsA secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by cha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding excessive exposure to sun may prevent the recurrence of EM. Outlook (Prognosis) Mild forms of EM usually get better in 2 to 6 weeks, but the problem may return. Possible Complications Complications of EM may include:Patchy skin color Return of EM, especially with HSV infection When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider right away if you have symptoms of EM.Open ReferencesReferencesDuvic M. Urticaria, drug hypersensitivity rashes, nodules and tumors, and atrophic diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 411.Holland KE. Acquired rashes in the older child. In: Kleigman RM, Toth H, Bordini BJ, Basel D, eds. Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 61.Lalor L, Shah KN. Urticaria and erythema multiforme. In: Long SS, ed. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 71.Rubenstein JB, Spektor T. Conjunctivitis: infectious and noninfectious. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.6.AllVideoImagesTogErythema multiforme on the hands - illustration Erythema multiforme on the hands. These lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). They may be associated with other medical conditions such as infections or medications. Cold sores (herpes simplex on the lips) is often associated with this condition.Erythema multiforme on the handsillustrationErythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - handsillustrationErythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are often referred to as target lesions because of the concentric rings the lesions produce. The target appearance is well demonstrated in this photograph.Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palmillustrationErythema multiforme on the leg - illustration The red spots on this person's back appear where blisters (bullae) caused by Erythema multiforme have ruptured and the overlying skin removed (denuded). The resulting lesions are yellow-crusted ulcers (erosions). Erythema multiforme may be associated with herpes simplex infection, mycoplasma pneumonia, or other medical conditions such as streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or may result from exposure to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme on the legillustrationErythema multiforme on the hand - illustration This individual has erythema multiforme minor, with target lesions on his hands. His condition may result from a recurrent herpes simplex virus infection on the lip.Erythema multiforme on the handillustrationExfoliation following erythroderma - illustration This picture shows diffuse redness (erythema) and scaling on the arm.Exfoliation following erythrodermaillustrationErythema multiforme on the hands - illustration Erythema multiforme on the hands. These lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). They may be associated with other medical conditions such as infections or medications. Cold sores (herpes simplex on the lips) is often associated with this condition.Erythema multiforme on the handsillustrationErythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are circular and may appear in concentric rings (often called target lesions). Target lesions may also be associated with other medical conditions such as herpes infection, streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or as a reaction to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - handsillustrationErythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm - illustration Erythema multiforme lesions are often referred to as target lesions because of the concentric rings the lesions produce. The target appearance is well demonstrated in this photograph.Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palmillustrationErythema multiforme on the leg - illustration The red spots on this person's back appear where blisters (bullae) caused by Erythema multiforme have ruptured and the overlying skin removed (denuded). The resulting lesions are yellow-crusted ulcers (erosions). Erythema multiforme may be associated with herpes simplex infection, mycoplasma pneumonia, or other medical conditions such as streptococcal infection, tuberculosis (TB), or may result from exposure to chemicals or medications.Erythema multiforme on the legillustrationErythema multiforme on the hand - illustration This individual has erythema multiforme minor, with target lesions on his hands. His condition may result from a recurrent herpes simplex virus infection on the lip.Erythema multiforme on the handillustrationExfoliation following erythroderma - illustration This picture shows diffuse redness (erythema) and scaling on the arm.Exfoliation following erythrodermaillustration Tests for Erythema multiforme Hepatitis virus panelRelated Information Allergic reactions(Injury)Rashes(Symptoms)Bullae(Symptoms)Myocarditis(Condition)Cellulitis(Condition)Sepsis(Condition)Herpes simplex - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 11/18/2022 Reviewed By: Elika Hoss, MD, Assistant Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Erythema multiformeEM; Erythema multiforme minor; Erythema multiforme major; Erythema multiforme minor - erythema multiforme von Hebra; Acute bullous disorder - erythema multiforme; Herpes simplex - erythema multiformeErythema multiforme (EM) is an acute skin reaction that comes from an infection or another trigger. EM is a self-limiting disease. This means it usually resolves on its own without treatment. Causes EM is a type of allergic reaction. In most cases, it occurs in response to an infection. In rare cases, it is caused by certain medicines or body-wide (systemic) illness.Allergic reactionAllergic reactions are sensitivities to substances called allergens that come into contact with the skin, nose, eyes, respiratory tract, and gastroin...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Infections that may lead to EM include:Viruses, such as herpes simplex that cause cold sores and genital herpes (most common) Herpes simplexOral herpes is an infection of the lips, mouth, or gums due to the herpes simplex virus. It causes small, painful blisters commonly called cold sore...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniaethat cause lung infection Mycoplasma pneumoniaePneumonia is inflamed or swollen lung tissue due to infection with a germ. Mycoplasma pneumonia is caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M pn...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Fungi, such as Histoplasma capsulatum, that cause histoplasmosisHistoplasmosisHistoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Medicines that may cause EM include:NSAIDs Allopurinol (treats gout) Certain antibiotics, such as sulfonamides and aminopenicillins Anti-seizure medicinesSystemic illnesses that are associated with EM include:Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease Crohn diseaseCrohn disease is a disease where parts of the digestive tract become inflamed. It most often involves the lower end of the small intestine and the be...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Systemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosusSystemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease. In this disease, the immune system of the body mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. It c...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article EM occurs mostly in adults 20 to 40 years old. People with EM may have family members who have had EM as well. Symptoms Symptoms of EM include:Low-grade fever FeverFever is the temporary increase in the body's temperature in response to a disease or illness. A child has a fever when the temperature is at or abov...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Headache Sore throat Cough Runny nose General ill feeling General ill feelingMalaise is a general feeling of discomfort, illness, or lack of well-being.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Itchy skin ItchyItching is a tingling or irritation of the skin that makes you want to scratch the area. Itching may occur all over the body or only in one location...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Joint aches Joint achesJoint pain can affect one or more joints.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Many skin lesions (sores or abnormal areas) Skin lesionsRashes involve changes in the color, feeling or texture of your skin.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Skin sores may:Start quickly Come back Spread Be raised or discolored Look like hives Have a central sore surrounded by pale red rings, also called a target, iris, or bulls-eye Have liquid-filled bumps or blisters of various sizes Be located on the upper body, legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet Include the face or lips Appear evenly on both sides of the body (symmetrical) Other symptoms may include:Bloodshot eyes Bloodshot eyesEye redness is most often due to swollen or dilated blood vessels. This makes the surface of the eye look red or bloodshot.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Dry eyes Eye burning, itching, and discharge Eye burning, itching, and dischargeEye burning with discharge is burning, itching, or drainage from the eye of any substance other than tears.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Eye pain Eye painPain in the eye may be described as a burning, throbbing, aching, or stabbing sensation in or around the eye. It may also feel like you have a forei...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Mouth sores Mouth soresThere are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including bottom of the mouth, inner cheeks, gums, lips, and tongue....ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Vision problems There are two forms of EM:EM minor usually involves the skin and sometimes mouth sores. EM major often starts with a fever and joint aches. Besides the skin sores and mouth sores, there may be sores in the eyes, genitals, lung airways, or gut. Exams and Tests Your health care provider will look at your skin to diagnose EM. You'll be asked about your medical history, such as recent infections or medicines you've taken.Tests may include:Skin lesion biopsy Skin lesion biopsyA skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined under a microscope. The skin is tested to look for skin conditi...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Examination of skin tissue under a microscope Treatment EM usually goes away on its own with or without treatment.Your provider will have you stop taking any medicines that may be causing the problem. But, don't stop taking medicines on your own without talking to your provider first.Treatment may include:Medicines, such as antihistamines, to control itching Moist compresses applied to the skin Pain medicines to reduce fever and discomfort Mouthwashes to ease discomfort of mouth sores that interferes with eating and drinking Antibiotics for skin infections Corticosteroids to control inflammation Medicines for eye symptomsGood hygiene may help prevent secondary infections (infections that occur from treating the first infection).Secondary infectionsA secondary infection is an infection that occurs during or after treatment for another infection. It may be caused by the first treatment or by cha...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding excessive exposure to sun may prevent the recurrence of EM. Outlook (Prognosis) Mild forms of EM usually get better in 2 to 6 weeks, but the problem may return. Possible Complications Complications of EM may include:Patchy skin color Return of EM, especially with HSV infection When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider right away if you have symptoms of EM.Open ReferencesReferencesDuvic M. Urticaria, drug hypersensitivity rashes, nodules and tumors, and atrophic diseases. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 411.Holland KE. Acquired rashes in the older child. In: Kleigman RM, Toth H, Bordini BJ, Basel D, eds. Nelson Pediatric Symptom-Based Diagnosis. 2nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 61.Lalor L, Shah KN. Urticaria and erythema multiforme. In: Long SS, ed. Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 71.Rubenstein JB, Spektor T. Conjunctivitis: infectious and noninfectious. In: Yanoff M, Duker JS, eds. Ophthalmology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 4.6.