Erythema multiforme
Features
If symptoms are severe and involve blistering and mucosal involvement the term Stevens-Johnson syndrome is used.
Causes
*Orf is a skin disease of sheep and goats caused by a parapox virus
- target lesions
- initially seen on the back of the hands / feet before spreading to the torso
- upper limbs are more commonly affected than the lower limbs
- pruritus is occasionally seen and is usually mild
If symptoms are severe and involve blistering and mucosal involvement the term Stevens-Johnson syndrome is used.
Causes
- viruses: herpes simplex virus (the most common cause), Orf*
- idiopathic
- bacteria: Mycoplasma, Streptococcus
- drugs: penicillin, sulphonamides, carbamazepine, allopurinol, NSAIDs, oral contraceptive pill, nevirapine
- connective tissue disease e.g. Systemic lupus erythematosus
- sarcoidosis
- malignancy
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| © Image used on license from DermNet NZ | |
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| © Image used on license from DermNet NZ | |
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| © Image used on license from DermNet NZ | |
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| © Image used on license from DermNet NZ | |
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*Orf is a skin disease of sheep and goats caused by a parapox virus