FAQ - Erythema multiforme
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Erythema multiforme?


How does it work, or what are the symptoms?
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there's at least 3 subtypes. EM minor, EM major, TENS/SJS. This condition basically involves skin hypersensitivity. This can be caused by an allergen, medication, and/or bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The affected skin will start to redden (sign of inflammation) and have raised lesions called papules. The three subtypes are dependent on how much reaction your body does. Read on the link I submitted below for more details.   (+ info)

Can anyone tell me anything about erythema multiforme?


My brother-in-law has it and is at a loss as to what has caused it. So far the doctor has given him steroids and antihistamines for the itch. That works as long as he takes the steroids but when the regimen is over, it comes back. Any suggestions?
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Erythema multiforme is a type of hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction that occurs in response to medications, infections, or illness. Medications associated with erythema multiforme include sulfonamides, penicillins, barbiturates, and phenytoin. Associated infections include herpes simplex and mycoplasma infections.

hope he feels better  (+ info)

My 13 month old grandson has Erythema Multiforme Minor. He looks and feels terrible. What will help him?


He is under medical care, but how can we add to that to help him with this. I read that it is rare under the age of 3. so that worries me. He has not been able to hold anything down for longer then 10 mins. Not even breast milk. He is at the Doctor again now, but I would like to know more.
Thank you.
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EM is an "auto-immune" type of disorder which causes typical skin "target" lesions. In essence, the immune system over-reacts to something the body is exposed to. It is often induced by an infection (viral, fungal or bacterial) , drugs etc, but more than half the time no specific cause is identified. It is usually a minor and self limited condition.

The treatment is supportive. That means rest, fluids, analgesics like Tylenol for pain or fever. If the child is vomiting, both gravol and Tylenol can be given by rectal suppository.

Rarely, in severe cases, hospital admission and treatment with intravenous fluids and steroids may be needed.

There are no "alternative treatments" that have been proven beneficial.  (+ info)

I need information about toxic epidermal necrolosys/steven johnson syndrome, and erythema multiforme.?


I have a friend who has been dignosed with;fibromyalga,chronic pain syndrome,DJD,osteoarthritis, angular chelitis,metabolic syndrome,depression,anxiety,and numerous other diagnosis. Is there any one out there who knows about "toxic epidermal necrolosys/steven johnson syndrome/erythema multiforme"?? If so is associated with any of these other diagnosis'?
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Toxic epidermal necrolysis is a life-threatening skin disorder characterized by a blistering and peeling of the top layer of skin. This disorder can be caused by a drug reaction -- most often penicillin -- or another disease. About one-third of all diagnosed cases of toxic epidermal necrolysis are a result of unknown causes.

Toxic epidermal necrolysis can cause the skin to peel off in sheets, leaving large areas that look scalded. The loss of skin causes fluids and salts to ooze from the raw, damaged areas which can easily become infected. The following are the most common symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently:

a painful, red area that spreads quickly
the top layer of skin may peel without blistering
scalded-looking raw areas of flesh
discomfort
fever
condition spread to eyes, mouth, and genitals
The symptoms of toxic epidermal necrolysis may resemble other dermatologic conditions. Consult a physician for diagnosis.

The progression of the disease happens fast, usually within three days. Treatment usually includes hospitalization, often in the burn unit. If a medication is causing the skin reaction, the patient is immediately taken off the medication. Specific treatment for toxic epidermal necrolysis will be determined by your physician based on:

your overall health, age, and medical history
severity of the condition
your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include one, or several, of the following:

isolation to prevent infection
protective bandages
intravenous fluid and electrolytes
antibiotics  (+ info)

Has anybody ever had erythema multiforme?


If so, other than the creams that the doctors give you, what else can you do?(I have it on my hands,help!!!)
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There are numerous websites that you can find answers and information for this condition. You can do a search for the condition and you can do a search for unconventional cures. Just type in to your search something like:
what is the home treatment for erythema multiforme?
Or just search: erythema multiforme.
you may find more information than you might ever want! I hope this helps you find some specific answers.  (+ info)

I have a friend who is suffering from erythema multiforme....any info about this skin allergy?


any info on how to prevent erythema multiforme
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My friend's son had this when he was about 2 YOA. It can be very scary and very scary looking. He (my friend's son) literally woke one morning with circular patches that looked like bruises-all over his body.

She flipped out when she saw him-when he woke up. (It looked like he had been beaten severely) She then brought him over to my house and asked what to do. I told her if she didn't bring him to the ER asap-I was gonna call 911.

She brought him to the hospital and he wound up having Erythema multiforme.

This condition can be brought on by a number of different things. Infections can bring it on. So can allergies to different things.

What I imagine your friend's DR would do-is give your friend Benadryl to help with the itching and help the immune system calm down, oral steroids to help the immune system and to help swelling, and anitbiotics to prevent any infections associated with this.

The severity of this condition can vary largely. It can be mild and your friend can stay at home and take the medications for it and be fine. It can also be very, very serious requiring some people to go to burn units for treatment.

Hope this helps. God Bless you and your friend.

Here's what Medline has to say about this.....
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Alternative names

Lyell's syndrome; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Definition:

Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder resulting from an allergic reaction.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

Erythema multiforme is a type of hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction that occurs in response to medications, infections, or illness. Medications associated with erythema multiforme include sulfonamides, penicillins, barbiturates, and phenytoin. Associated infections include herpes simplex and mycoplasma infections.

The exact cause is unknown. The disorder is believed to involve damage to the blood vessels of the skin with subsequent damage to skin tissues. Approximately 90% of erythema multiforme cases are associated with herpes simplex or mycoplasma infections. The disorder occurs primarily in children and young adults.

Erythema multiforme may become noticeable with a classic skin lesion, with or without systemic (whole body) symptoms. In Stevens-Johnson syndrome, the systemic symptoms are severe and the lesions are extensive, involving multiple body areas, especially the mucous membranes. Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN syndrome, or Lyell's syndrome) involves multiple large blisters (bullae) that coalesce, followed by sloughing of all or most of the skin and mucous membranes.

Symptoms:

Multiple skin lesions:
With sudden onset, which may recur
That may spread
That may appear as nodule, papule, or macule
Central lesion surrounded by concentric rings of paleness and redness, also called "target", "iris", or "bull's eye"
May have vesicles and bullae (blisters of various sizes)
Located on the legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet
May involve the face or lips
Trunk is usually not involved
Usually symmetrical
Itching of the skin may be present
Fever
General ill feeling
Joint aches
Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease:
Vision abnormalities
Dry eyes
Bloodshot eyes
Eye pain
Eye burning, itching and discharge
Mouth sores

Signs and tests:

The diagnosis is primarily based on the appearance of the skin lesion and its typical symmetrical distribution, especially if there is a history of risk factors or associated diseases.

There may be a positive Nikolsky's sign.

A skin lesion biopsy and microscopic examination may be helpful to differentiate erythema multiforme from other disorders. Erythema multiforme may show tissue death and other changes. Microscopic examination of the tissue may also show antibody deposits.

Treatment:

Treatment goals include control of the underlying causes or illnesses, treatment of the symptoms, and prevention of infection. Suspected medications should be discontinued.

Treatment of mild symptoms may include:

Moist compresses applied to skin lesions
Medications such as antihistamines to control itching
Over-the-counter medications (such as acetaminophen) to reduce fever and discomfort
Topical anesthetics (especially for mouth lesions) to ease discomfort that interferes with eating and drinking
Treatment of severe symptoms may include:

Hospitalization and treatment in an intensive care or burn care unit for severe cases, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, and toxic epidermal necrolysis
Systemic corticosteroids to control inflammation
Intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) to stop the process
Antibiotics to control secondary skin infections
Good hygiene and isolation from others may be required to prevent secondary infections.

Extensive skin involvement may cause the loss of large quantities of body fluids, causing shock in addition to the risk of infection. Intensive care with support of body systems may be required.

Skin grafting may be helpful in cases in which large areas of the body are affected.

In cases that are caused by the herpes virus, daily antiviral medications may be prescribed to prevent recurrences of erythema multiforme.

Expectations (prognosis):

Mild forms of erythema multiforme usually resolve without difficulty in 2 - 6 weeks, but they may recur. More severe forms may be difficult to treat. Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis are associated with high death rates.

Complications:
Permanent skin damage and scarring
Occasionally, lesions on internal organs causing:
Pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
Myocarditis (heart inflammation)
Nephritis (kidney inflammation)
Hepatitis (liver inflammation)
Secondary skin infection (cellulitis)
Systemic infection, sepsis
Loss of body fluids, shock

Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if symptoms indicate erythema multiforme. Involvement of a large area of the body is an emergency situation.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000851.htm  (+ info)

Erythema multiforme being a symptom of cancer.?


Has eyrthema multiforme ever been linked to cancer
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No- there has been no link to cancer but it usually occurs in association with herpes simplex virus, suggesting an immunologic process initiated by the virus.  (+ info)

Anyone's 1 year old ever have erythema multiforme?


I've already answered your question.  (+ info)

How long does Mefenamic Acid stay in the body? And is it well known for causing Erythema Multiforme?


I've been taking Mefanamic Acid for about two years. I take it for the first few days of my period to help with dysmenorrhea and it works. About a year ago, I started getting urticaria and it's now been diagnosed by skin biopsy as Erythema Multiforme. It's left me in agony sometimes, with blood blisters in verious places that turn into raw open wounds. I also get sore eyes, mouth and nose and a sore throat/cold. My dermatologist says it's related to the Mefanamic Acid and I'm not to take it at all anymore. We wondered before if this may be the case so we discontinued the use for two months but it made no difference. My dermatologist says it takes a long time to get Mefanamic Acid out of the system completely. I have an appointment to thoroughly check my blood test results as my derm' requested this, but does anybody know what I can expect? How long before my Erythema Multiforme calms down? Is Mefanamic a known cause for this?
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Good luck! I doubt the drug is causing your Erythema Multiforme.  (+ info)

If my 6 mth old baby has erythema multiforme, does that mean he is going to be more prone to it in the future?


It's very rare to see erythema multiforme in children that young (under 3 years on average is rare). However, it is caused by the herpes virus, the same virus that causes cold sores, so unfortunately it can sit dormant for a while and cause a recurrance....There are antiviral meds (though not sure how safe they are at this age) called zovirax and acyclovir and occasionally they'll use oral steroids to treat flares....

Hopefully he has few outbreaks....herpes virus can become painful.

I hope this helps a bit.  (+ info)

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