Saturday 13 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 48.6: Erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme is characterised by target lesions.

Two pictures of erythema multuforme are below; the second is by Dr Heilmann.





50% of cases of erythema multiforme are idiopathic.

Secondary causes include:
  • drugs
    • penicillin
    • sulphonamides
    • phenytoin
    • carbamazepine
    • ACE-i
    • barbituates
    • NSAIDs
    • thiazides
  • infections
    • mycoplasma
    • herpes
    • orf

Management is to treat the underlying cause and supportive treatment.


For the final battle of the day on to what used to be considered as a severe form of erythema multiforme....