Patient education: Erythema multiforme (The Basics)

What is erythema multiforme? — Erythema multiforme is a condition that causes spots on the skin. The spots often have a dark center surrounded by pink, red, or purple rings, like a target or bull's-eye (picture 1). Sometimes, the spots have blisters.

The spots can appear in different places on the body, including the:

●Arms and legs

●Chest and back

●Face and neck

●Palms of the hands

●Soles of the feet

●Lips

Many people with erythema multiforme also get painful sores or blisters in their mouth (picture 2). People can get sores or blisters on their genitals, too. But this happens less often.

Sometimes, erythema multiforme affects the eyes. When this happens, the whites of the eyes can look red.

The spots on the skin might itch or burn. Some people have a fever and feel tired and achy before the spots appear.

The skin spots, sores, and blisters usually get better in about 2 weeks. Sometimes, they leave dark spots on the skin that can take a long time to go away.

What causes erythema multiforme? — Most of the time, erythema multiforme is your body's reaction to an infection. But medicines and other diseases can cause erythema multiforme, too. Sometimes, it's hard to figure out what caused it.

Will I need tests? — Your nurse or doctor should be able to tell if you have erythema multiforme by looking at your skin and doing an exam. They might also:

●Do blood tests

●Take small skin sample for testing

These tests will help your doctor make sure that your symptoms aren't being caused by another medical condition.

Is there anything I can do on my own to feel better? — Yes. If spots on your skin are itchy, you can try putting a cool, damp cloth on the area.

How is erythema multiforme treated? — Treatments include medicines to help with itching and pain. These might be:

●Creams that you put on your skin

●Pills that you take by mouth

●Special mouthwash (if you have spots in your mouth)

If your eyes are red or uncomfortable, you might need to see an eye doctor.

Can erythema multiforme be prevented? — If your condition was caused by a medicine, do not take that medicine again. Talk to your doctor or nurse about switching to a different medicine.

Some people who are infected with a certain virus keep getting erythema multiforme over and over again. If your erythema multiforme keeps coming back, talk with your doctor or nurse. They might give you a medicine to take every day that will help keep you from getting it so often.