Erythema multiforme Immune-mediated disease characterized by target lesions on hands and feet

Causes

1 Infection – e.g. Herpes/Hepatitis other viruses, tuberculosis, leprosy, fungal infection, mycoplasma

2 Specific Medication eg sulphonamides, barbiturates, penicillins, anticonvulsants)

3 idiopathic

4 Food additives/food allergy

5 Systemic disease – e.g. SLE 

6 Neoplasia – e.g. Hodgkin’s disease, myeloma, carcinoma

Clinical features

Target lesions (red rings with the central pale or purple area) on hands and feet.

New lesions appear for 2–3wk.

Frequently oral, conjunctival, and genital mucosa is affected

If severe termed Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Management

Identification and removal of the underlying cause.