Erythema Multiforme:​

Recognition and Management

Kathryn P. Trayes, MD; Gillian Love, MD; and James S. Studdiford, MD
Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Erythema multiforme is an immune-mediated reaction that involves the skin and sometimes the
mucosa. Classically described as target-like, the erythema multiforme lesions can be isolated, recur-
rent, or persistent. Most commonly, the lesions of erythema multiforme present symmetrically on the
extremities (especially on extensor surfaces) and spread centripetally. Infections, especially herpes
simplex virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and medications constitute most of the causes of erythema
multiforme;​immunizations and autoimmune diseases have also been linked to erythema multiforme.
Erythema multiforme can be differentiated from urticaria by the duration of individual lesions. Ery-
thema multiforme lesions are typically fixed for a minimum of seven days, whereas individual urticarial
lesions often resolve within one day. Erythema multiforme can be confused with the more serious con-
dition, Stevens-Johnson syndrome;​however, Stevens-Johnson syndrome usually contains widespread
erythematous or purpuric macules with blisters. The management of erythema multiforme involves
symptomatic treatment with topical steroids or antihistamines and treating the underlying etiology,
if known. Recurrent erythema multiforme associated with the herpes simplex virus should be treated
with prophylactic antiviral therapy. Severe mucosal erythema multiforme can require hospitalization
for intravenous fluids and repletion of electrolytes. (Am Fam Physician. 2019;​100(2):82-88. Copyright
© 2019 American Academy of Family Physicians.)

Erythema multiforme is an acute, typically self-limited to cause erythema multiforme8 (Figure 1). Mycoplasma
skin condition with lesions that can be isolated, recur- pneumoniae is the second most common etiology, espe-
rent, or persistent.1 Erythema minor affects only the skin cially in children.6,9 Although medications cause less than
and erythema major includes mucocutaneous involve- 10% of erythema multiforme cases, many drugs have been
ment.1,2 Although it was previously thought that ery- associated with erythema multiforme, most commonly
thema multiforme was on the same pathologic spectrum nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antiepileptics, and
as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal antibiotics.1,4,6 Drug-associated lesions have tested positive
necrolysis, it is now accepted that erythema multiforme is for tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and HSV-associated
a distinct disease.3,4 lesions have tested positive for interferon-γ.10 Types of anti-
The annual incidence of erythema multiforme is estimated biotics associated with erythema multiforme include sul-
at less than 1%.5,6 It is more common in adults younger than fonamides, penicillins, erythromycin, nitrofurantoin, and
40.6 There is no apparent association with race.7 tetracyclines. Other medications include barbiturates, phe-
nothiazines, statins, and TNF-α inhibitors11 (Table 1).
Etiology Vaccines such as measles, mumps, and rubella;​smallpox;​
Erythema multiforme is caused by a cell-mediated immune hepatitis B;​meningococcal (Figure 2);​ pneumococcal;​ vari-
response, and infections are associated with 90% of cases.6 cella;​ influenza;​ and Haemophilus influenzae have also been
Although herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 is the most associated with erythema multiforme, although incidence
commonly identified etiology, HSV-2 also has been shown is low.12-16 Less commonly, erythema multiforme has been
associated with autoimmune diseases, such as inflammatory
CME This clinical content conforms to AAFP criteria for
bowel disease17 and malignancies, specifically leukemia and
continuing medical education (CME). See CME Quiz on lymphoma.18 Persistent erythema multiforme and refrac-
page 79. tory erythema multiforme have been found in patients with
Author disclosure:​ No relevant financial affiliations. solid organ cancers, such as renal cell carcinoma and gastric
adenocarcinoma.19,20

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 TABLE 1

Most Commonly Reported Causes and

Associations with Erythema Multiforme
Clinical Presentation Infections Cytomegalovirus
TYPICAL APPEARANCE Epstein-Barr virus
Erythema multiforme lesions typically begin as pink or Hepatitis C virus
red papules, which can then become plaques.21,22 These Herpes simplex virus type 1, herpes simplex
lesions can cause burning or itching.23 Over the next three virus type 2
to five days, the lesions transform into a variety of appear- Influenza virus
ances.1,3,6,24 The classic lesion of erythema multiforme is Mycoplasma pneumoniae
called the target or iris lesion. It is a round lesion of three Vulvovaginal candidiasis
concentric segments:​a dark center, surrounded by a lighter
Drugs Antibiotics
pink ring, both of which are surrounded by a red ring1,8
Erythromycin
(Figure 3). Atypical lesions may only have two zones of
color and may have poorly defined borders1,25 (Figure 4). Nitrofurantoin
Lesions are initially found symmetrically on the extrem- Penicillins
ities, especially on extensor surfaces. The lesions usu- Sulfonamides
ally spread centripetally but tend to be fewer on patients’ Tetracyclines
trunks. Palms and soles also may be involved. Erythema Antiepileptics
multiforme has a predilection for areas of current sunburn Barbiturates
or physical trauma.6 Cutaneous lesions usually heal with- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
out complication, but skin hyperpigmentation may occur.1 Phenothiazines
Isolated episodes of erythema multiforme most commonly Statins
follow HSV infections by an interval of 10 days and usually
Sulfonamides
resolve within two weeks.22 However, some episodes of ery-
Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors
thema multiforme have been documented to persist for up
Vaccines
to five weeks.26
Mucosal lesions are present in 25% to 60% of patients Other Inflammatory bowel disease
with erythema multiforme.6 Prodromal weakness, fever, conditions Malignancy
and malaise are common symptoms in patients with Menstruation
mucosal involvement.1,6 When these associated symptoms

FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

Erythema multiforme lesions on the extensor surface

of the hand following a herpes simplex virus type 1 Erythema multiforme polycyclic lesions, targetoid in
infection. appearance, following meningococcal vaccination.
Copyright © Thomas Jefferson University Copyright © Thomas Jefferson University

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 ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

are present, they usually occur at least one week before

skin lesions occur.4 Although the oral mucosa is the most FIGURE 4
commonly involved, genital and ocular mucosa also may
develop lesions.2 Mucosal lesions usually begin as edema-
tous, erythematous lesions that may develop into shallow
erosions with pseudomembranes6 (Figure 5). Mucosal ero-
sions may be extremely painful;​therefore, clinicians should
assess the patient’s ability to maintain oral intake.

RECURRENT AND PERSISTENT ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

Patients may experience recurrent erythema multiforme
with multiple episodes. A study of 48 patients with recurrent
erythema multiforme reported an average of six episodes per
year.27 The mean disease duration was from six to 10 years.27,28
Recurrent erythema multiforme may occur because of the
reactivation of HSV (Figure 6), even if there are no symptoms

FIGURE 3

Atypical erythema multiforme lesions consisting of

two zones of color.
Copyright © Thomas Jefferson University

FIGURE 5

Erythema multiforme typical target or iris lesions in a Mucosal shallow erosions of erythema multiforme in
patient with inflammatory bowel disease. a patient with rheumatoid arthritis.
Copyright © Thomas Jefferson University Copyright © Thomas Jefferson University

84 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 100, Number 2 ◆ July 15, 2019
 FIGURE 6 TABLE 2

Differential Diagnosis of Erythema

Multiforme
Differential
diagnosis Clinical manifestation

Bullous Pruritic, erythematous plaques with tense

pemphigoid bullae;​with or without mucosal involvement

Fixed drug Few, well-circumscribed erythematous

eruption plaques with medication history

Hyper- Morbilliform eruption most commonly

sensitivity found on the upper extremities, trunk, face
reaction

Paraneo- Polymorphous, erythematous mucocuta-

plastic neous lesions, including papules, bullae,
pemphigus and erosive lesions;​presence of underlying
malignancy

Pityriasis Scaly, erythematous plaques following

rosea herald patch formation on trunk

Polymor- Erythematous papules and plaques in areas

phous light exposed to sunlight
eruption

Stevens- Atypical macular target lesions with central

Johnson dusky erythema, bullae;​several mucosal
syndrome involvements at one or more sites

Urticaria Pruritic, sharply demarcated papules/

plaques;​transient, usually lasting less than
Recurrent erythema multiforme lesions associated 24 hours
with reactivation of herpes simplex virus.
Viral Diffuse maculopapular rash, palatal pete-
Copyright © Thomas Jefferson University
exanthema chiae;​with or without systemic findings
such as lymphadenopathy or splenomegaly

of an active HSV outbreak.1,8 Although recurrent erythema Information from references 1, 9, and 35-37.
multiforme has been associated with a variety of medical
conditions (e.g., HSV, M. pneumoniae, hepatitis C, menstrua-
tion), the study did not find an association with any identified results of skin biopsies vary based on the timeline of the
cause in 60% of patients.27 In 2018, a retrospective review of lesion and the location of the biopsy within the lesion.3,22
recurrent erythema multiforme found that compared with Direct immunofluorescence can help differentiate between
adults, recurrent erythema multiforme in children shows a erythema multiforme and autoimmune blistering diseases,
male predominance, causes more hospitalizations, and has such as bullous pemphigoid.1
less of a treatment response to immunosuppression.29 The differential diagnosis includes many conditions, such
Persistent erythema multiforme is a rare condition.1 It has as pityriasis rosea, urticaria, viral exanthema, fixed drug
been associated with inflammatory bowel disease, malig- eruption, bullous pemphigoid, SJS, polymorphous light
nancies, and infections, such as HSV, Epstein-Barr virus, eruption, paraneoplastic pemphigus, and hypersensitivity
cytomegalovirus, hepatitis C, and influenza.18,30-33 reactions1,3,10,34 (Table 21,8,35-37). Urticaria symptoms resem-
ble erythema multiforme, and these two conditions should
Diagnosis be distinguished based on the presentation of the lesions.
Erythema multiforme is diagnosed clinically, based on the Erythema multiforme typically has fixed lesions for a min-
patient’s history and physical examination. It is import- imum of seven days,6 and individual urticarial lesions often
ant to ask about recent symptoms of infection (e.g., HSV, resolve within one day.3,21 Fixed drug eruption usually has
M. pneumoniae) and medication use.1 Most cases of ery- fewer lesions than erythema multiforme and a medication
thema multiforme do not require further diagnostic tests. change is usually present in the patient’s history.38 Mucosal
However, in unclear cases, skin biopsies and laboratory lesions associated with SJS may resemble erythema mul-
tests may be helpful in excluding other diagnoses.1 The tiforme’s mucosal lesions, but can be differentiated by the

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 ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

lesion patterns on the skin.1,25 Although SJS usually contains those with erythema multiforme.6 Month-long prednisone
widespread erythematous or purpuric macules with blisters, tapers can be initiated for patients with severe symptoms,
erythema multiforme manifests as papular, often target- but no controlled studies have supported this treatment.1
shaped lesions.39 Patients with SJS should receive urgent Patients with ocular involvement should be evaluated by an
medical attention because of the risk of complications.39,40 ophthalmologist immediately because visual sequelae may
be permanent.
Treatment Recurrent HSV-associated erythema multiforme can
The management of erythema multiforme depends on the be treated with continuous prophylactic antiviral ther-
underlying etiology and the disease severity1 (Figure 7). Most apy.28,41 Data to support treatment are limited, with a single
recommendations are based on small case series or expert placebo-controlled trial of 20 patients finding a significant
opinion, and there have been few clinical trials. When a reduction in recurrences with 400 mg of acyclovir adminis-
recent infection or drug is the cause of the erythema mul- tered twice daily over a six-month period (median zero vs.
tiforme eruption, treat the infection or discontinue the three recurrences over six months, P < .001).41 It has been
medication. Manage acute, uncomplicated erythema multi- recommended based on pathophysiologic reasoning that
forme with symptomatic treatment using topical steroids or therapy may be continuous or intermittent, but only contin-
antihistamines.1,21 If HSV is the cause, expert opinion rec- uous therapy has been studied.1,41 Options include acyclovir
ommends early administration of oral acyclovir to reduce (400 mg twice per day), valacyclovir (Valtrex;​500 mg twice
the severity and duration of the erythema multiforme per day), or famciclovir (250 mg twice per day), but there are
eruption.34 However, in cases of established HSV-related insufficient studies to determine the recommended duration
erythema multiforme, there is no evidence that antiviral of treatment.1 For patients who do not respond to antiviral
therapy improves the time to lesion resolution.1,6 medications, a variety of other treatment options include
Mucosal erythema multiforme may be very painful. Based immunosuppressives, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and
on expert opinion and case series, treatment options include others.1 Systemic agents for treatment of refractory recur-
high-potency topical corticosteroid gel and oral antiseptic rent erythema multiforme have been used, but there is little
or anesthetic solutions.1 Severe cases of mucocutaneous ery- evidence to support these treatments.1 A small study indi-
thema multiforme may cause decreased oral intake, which cated thalidomide as a treatment for reducing the duration
leads to hospitalization for intravenous fluids and repletion of erythema multiforme flare-ups, but further research is
of electrolytes.1,4 This is a leading cause of morbidity in encouraged.42

FIGURE 7

Mucocutaneous involvement?

No Yes

Recent infection?

Moderate or Severe Ocular

mild infection involvement?
No Yes

Medication causes? Treat underlying infec-

tion (i.e., herpes simplex Treat with high-potency No Yes
virus with acyclovir) topical corticosteroid
gel, oral antiseptic, or Ophthalmologic
No Yes anesthetic solutions evaluation

Stop medication

Hospitalization for intravenous fluids and electrolyte repletion

May consider month-long prednisone taper
Symptomatic treatment with topical steroids or antihistamines

Approach to the treatment of erythema multiforme.

86 American Family Physician www.aafp.org/afp Volume 100, Number 2 ◆ July 15, 2019
 ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME

SORT:​KEY RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PRACTICE

Evidence
Clinical recommendation rating Comments

Suspect erythema multiforme in patients with a target or iris lesion character- C Expert opinion
ized by three concentric segments:​a dark center, surrounded by a lighter pink
ring, both of which are surrounded by a red ring.1

Symptomatic treatment with topical steroids or antihistamines is recom- C Expert opinion

mended for acute episodes of uncomplicated erythema multiforme.1,21

Oral anesthetics may be helpful in decreasing the pain of oral erythema mul- C Case series, expert opinion
tiforme lesions.1,4,6

Urgent ophthalmologic consultation is recommended for patients with any C Expert opinion
ocular erythema multiforme involvement.1

Continuous prophylactic antiviral treatment is recommended for recurrent B Based on a single, double-blind,
herpes simplex virus–associated erythema multiforme.41 placebo-controlled trial

A = consistent, good-quality patient-oriented evidence;​ B = inconsistent or limited-quality patient-oriented evidence;​C = consensus, disease-
oriented evidence, usual practice, expert opinion, or case series. For information about the SORT evidence rating system, go to https://​w ww.aafp.
org/afpsort.

This article updates a previous article on this topic by Lamoreux, clinically different disorders with distinct causes. Arch Dermatol. 1995;​
et al. 3 131(5):​539-543.

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