Erythema Multiforme

Question: Erythema multiforme? How does it work, or what are the symptoms?

Answer: 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.

Question: 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?

Answer: 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

Question: 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'?

Answer: 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

Question: 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.

Answer: 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.

Question: I have a friend who is suffering from erythema multiforme....any info about this skin allergy? any info on how to prevent erythema multiforme

Answer: 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/…

Question: 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!!!)

Answer: 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.

Question: 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?

Answer: Good luck! I doubt the drug is causing your Erythema Multiforme.

Question: Erythema multiforme being a symptom of cancer.? Has eyrthema multiforme ever been linked to cancer

Answer: 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.

Question: cure for erythema multiforme?

Answer: It is generally thought to be an allergic reaction (hypersensitivity), and milder forms of the "rash" goes away pretty quickly. If you can treat the underlying cause of the reaction then you can control it. Medications, foods and other things may cause the reaction. There can be extensive involvement, and some may be triggered by herpes virus. In these cases the treatment may be more diffcult. In cases caused by herpes an antiviral medication may help. In very serious cases skin grafts might even be called for.

Question: 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?

Answer: Your reaction is atypical for this drug. The drug itself is out of your system by now, but your immune reaction seems to have a life of its own. In fact, the drug may have been only a trigger for the reaction, which is perpetuated by your body. Good luck in getting treated for your Erythema Multiforme.