Sections View Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Annotate Full Chapter Figures Tables Videos Supplementary Content +++ Key Features ++ Erythema multiforme has sometimes been diagnosed in patients with severe mucous membrane involvement, but Stevens-Johnson syndrome is the diagnosis when severe involvement of conjunctiva, oral cavity, and genital mucosa also occur Many causes are suspected, particularly concomitant herpes simplex virus (HSV); drugs, especially sulfonamides; and Mycoplasma infections Recurrent erythema multiforme is usually associated with reactivation of HSV In erythema multiforme, spontaneous healing occurs in 10–14 days, but Stevens-Johnson syndrome may last 6–8 weeks +++ Clinical Findings ++ Papules that later develop a dark center Lesions with central bluish discoloration or blisters Characteristic target lesions (iris lesions) that have three concentric circles of color change +++ Diagnosis ++ Clinical +++ Treatment ++ Treatment is symptomatic in uncomplicated erythema multiforme Discontinue offending drugs Oral antihistamines such as cetirizine 5–10 mg every morning and hydroxyzine 1 mg/kg/d at bedtime are useful Cool compresses and wet dressings relieve pruritus Corticosteroids have not been demonstrated to be effective Long-term acyclovir therapy has been successful in decreasing attacks in patients with HSV-associated recurrent erythema multiforme Your MyAccess profile is currently affiliated with '[InstitutionA]' and is in the process of switching affiliations to '[InstitutionB]'. Please click ‘Continue’ to continue the affiliation switch, otherwise click ‘Cancel’ to cancel signing in. Get Free Access Through Your Institution Learn how to see if your library subscribes to McGraw Hill Medical products. Subscribe: Institutional or Individual Sign In Username Error: Please enter User Name Password Error: Please enter Password Forgot Username? Forgot Password? Sign in via OpenAthens Sign in via Shibboleth