Erythema Multiforme
What are the treatments for the condition?
Treatment of erythema multiforme may involve the following:
stopping the medication causing the problem
treating the infection causing the reaction
using medications to help the skin heal
taking medications to reduce inflammation in the eye
treating complications, such as a skin infection
debridement, which involves the removal of large areas of damaged skin or
dead tissue
taking antibiotics for any secondary infection caused by open areas of skin
A person with severe erythema multiforme may be
transferred to a burn unit for specialized care.
What are the side effects of the treatments?
Medications used to treat erythema multiforme may cause upset stomach, rash, or
allergic reaction.
Debridement of dead tissue may cause bleeding or infection.
What happens after treatment for the condition?
Most people recover without a problem and can return to normal activities.
However, the person is at higher risk for erythema multiforme in the future. If
the condition is caused by herpes, a person may want to consider taking
medications to prevent further herpes outbreaks. If erythema multiforme is
caused by a medication, the person should avoid the medication in the future.
How is the condition monitored?
In mild cases, the skin is monitored until the rash disappears. Usually the
affected person can do this monitoring at home. In serious cases, a person may need to be admitted to
the hospital for closer monitoring. Any new or worsening symptoms should be
reported to the healthcare provider.
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