Erythema multiforme

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Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands	Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm	Erythema multiforme on the hand	Erythema multiforme on the hands
Erythema multiforme on the leg	Exfoliation following erythroderma

Lyell's syndrome; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Erythema multiforme minor; Erythema multiforme major

• Fever
• General ill feeling
• Itching of the skin
• Joint aches
• Multiple skin lesions:
  • Start quickly and may return
  • May spread
  • May appear as a nodule, papule, or macule and may look like hives
  • Central sore surrounded by pale red rings, also called a "target", "iris", or "bulls-eye"
  • May have vesicles and blisters of various sizes (bullae)
  • Located on the upper body, legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet
  • May involve the face or lips
  • Usually even on both sides (symmetrical)

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Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Dry eyes
• Eye burning, itching, and discharge
• Eye pain
• Mouth sores
• Vision problems

The diagnosis is based mainly on the appearance of the skin lesion, especially if there is a history of risk factors or related diseases.

Tests may include:

• Nikolsky's sign
• Skin lesion biopsy and microscopic examination of the tissue

Review Date: 10/10/2010
Reviewed By: Linda J. Vorvick, MD, Medical Director, MEDEX Northwest Division of Physician Assistant Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).