Erythema Multiforme, (EM) is an uncommon, acute inflammatory disease of the skin and mucous membranes characterized by ulcerations caused by hypersensitivity to drugs, microbial agents or other allergens. An EM outbreak can result in more severe forms of EM involving the skin, and there are several types of EM manifestations. A hemorrhagic crust on the lip is a pathognomonic sign ofthis dis...

QUESTION I recently diagnosed an erythema multiforme rash in several patients, two of whom had the major variant, Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Should these patients be managed with corticosteroids? ANSWER In most cases, mild erythema multiforme is self-limited and resolves in 2 to 4 weeks. Stevens-Johnson syndrome is a serious disease that involves the mucous membranes and lasts up to 6 weeks. T...

Erythema multiforme of the mouth is an acute vesiculo-ulcerative lesion, which presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge to the clinician. Herpes simplex is described as the most frequent cause of this disease. Controversy exists in the literature as to the definition of oral erythema multiforme and the role of systemic corticosteroids in its treatment. Recent treatment protocols advocate...

1428 CMAJ, November 5, 2013, 185(16) © 2013 Canadian Medical Association or its licensors A35-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with a recurrent rash on the backs of both hands related to what she described as a “fever blister” on her lower lip. In the previous 2 years, she had experienced more than 12 similar eruptions involving both her lip and hands. She was not taking any...