Erythema multiforme is usually a reaction of the skin and mucous membranes that occurs suddenly. It appears as a symmetrical rash and may include the mucous membrane lesions. This means that the body is sensitive to something that causes the skin and mucous membranes to react. The more common mild form is refer to as EM minor. It consists of a skin rash that involve no more than one mucosal surface. The sudden onset will progress rapidly as symmetrical lesions with circular color changes in some or all of the lesions. Rash will spread towards center or trunk of the body. Evenly distributed bumps on the skin become classic iris or target lesions. They have bright red borders and small white bumps in the center.
The cause of EM appears to be a highly sensitive reaction that can be triggered by a variety of causes. The causes can include bacterial, viral or chemical products, such as antibiotics – specifically penicillins or cephalosporins. This reaction is an allergic reaction and is in no way contagious.
[''Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology''. (10th ed.). Saunders. .]
Erythema multiforme minor is sometimes divided into papular and vesiculobullous forms.
See also
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Erythema
Erythema (from the Greek , meaning red) is redness of the skin or mucous membranes, caused by hyperemia (increased blood flow) in superficial capillaries. It occurs with any skin injury, infection, or inflammation. Examples of erythema not asso ...
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Diascopy
Diascopy is a test for blanchability performed by applying pressure with a finger or glass slide and observing color changes.Marks, James G; Miller, Jeffery (2006). ''Lookingbill and Marks' Principles of Dermatology'' (4th ed.). Elsevier Inc. Page ...
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Erythema multiforme
Erythema multiforme (EM) is a skin condition that appears with red patches evolving into target lesions, typically on both hands.
It is a type of erythema possibly mediated by deposition of immune complexes (mostly IgM-bound complexes) in the ...
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List of cutaneous conditions
Many skin conditions affect the human integumentary system—the organ system covering the entire surface of the body and composed of skin, hair, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this system is as a barrier agai ...
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External links
Erythemas
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