What is erythema multiforme?

Erythema multiforme is an acute inflammatory skin disease characterized by target-shaped or iridescent erythema as the typical lesion, often accompanied by mucous membrane damage, and prone to recurrence. The etiology of the disease is complex and can be caused by infections (herpes simplex virus), medications, food, and physical factors (e.g., trauma, cold, sunlight, radiation, etc.). Erythema multiforme-like lesions can also occur in certain diseases such as rheumatic fever, autoimmune diseases, and malignant lymphoma. The disease mostly affects children and young women. It is easy to develop in spring and fall, with a self-limiting course, but often recurs. The onset of the disease is often acute, and there may be chills, fever, headache, joint and muscle pain and other prodromal symptoms. The lesions are polymorphic and may include erythema, papules, macules, blisters, blisters, purpura, and wind clouds. Depending on the morphology of the lesions, they can be categorized into erythema-papular, blister-herpetic and severe forms. Most of the disease is self-limiting, usually after 2~3 weeks, it can be cured by itself, and the treatment is mainly symptomatic. If there is no skin breakage or blisters, topical glycerite lotion and other glucocorticoid creams such as mometasone furoate cream can be used; if combined with infection, fusidic acid ointment or clindamycin ointment can be applied to control the infection. Erythema multiforme, it is recommended to go to the regular dermatology treatment. The medication should be used according to the doctor’s prescription.