Erythema Multiforme

See all Pictures & Images

Erythema Multiforme 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.