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Erythema Multiforme, Pediatric

Meagan Barrett, MD and Minnelly Luu, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, self-limited mucocutaneous eruption characterized by distinct targetoid lesions on the skin.

  • Although classically defined by the presence of targ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • A prodrome of fever, malaise, and/or symptoms of HSV, Mycoplasma, or other precipitating infections may precede the skin eruption.

  • Onset is abrupt with rapid evolution of lesions over ...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

  • Treat the underlying cause (e.g., acyclovir for HSV-related cases) or withdraw the offending agent.

  • EM minor

    • Care is supportive and symptom-based.

    • White petrolatum +/− topical c...

ONGOING CARE

PROGNOSIS

  • The course of EM is self-limited. Lesions resolve in 2 to 4 weeks with postinflammatory pigment alteration. Severe cases of EM may take longer to heal.

  • Recurrences may occur and a...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Auquier-Dunant A, Mockenhaupt M, Naldi L, et al. Correlations between clinical patterns and causes of erythema multiforme majus, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrol...

CODES

ICD9

  • 695.1 Erythema multiforme, unspecified

  • 695.19 Other erythema multiforme

  • 695.11 Erythema multiforme minor

  • 695.12 Erythema multiforme major

  • 695.13 Stevens-Johnson syndrome

  • 695.14 Stevens-Johnson sy...

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