Erythema Multiforme
What is erythema multiforme?
Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder characterized by symmetrical, red, raised skin areas all over the body. These patches often look like "targets" (dark circles with purple-grey centers). The skin condition may be chronic and usually lasts for two to four weeks each time.
Most often, this disorder is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Other causes may include the following:
- an interaction with a certain medication
- other infectious diseases
- certain vaccines
What are the symptoms of erythema multiforme?
The following are the most common symptoms of erythema multiforme. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently symptoms may include:
- sudden, red patches and blisters, usually on the palms of hands, soles of feet, and face
- flat, round red "targets" (dark circles with purple-grey centers)
The symptoms of erythema multiforme may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Treatment for erythema multiforme:
Specific treatment for erythema multiforme will be determined by your physician based on:
- your age, overall health, and medical history
- severity of the condition
- stage of the condition
- your tolerance of specific medications, procedures, or therapies
- expectations for the course of the condition
- your opinion or preference
The condition usually clears up on its own. However, if a person develops a more severe form of erythema multiforme, the condition can become fatal.
Treatment may include:
- treating the infectious disease causing the disorder
- eliminating any medication causing the disorder
- cool compresses
- corticosteroids
- antibiotics
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The Dermatology Programs and Services at Rush
Dermatology specialists at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago offer comprehensive care for common and rare skin, hair and nail diseases. Offering care for people of all ages, our dermatologists are leading authorities in skin care whose expertise draws patients from all over the Midwest. The dermatology team at Rush offers safe and innovative treatments based on years of experience as well as the latest scientific research.
Click here to visit our Department of Dermatology.
Services Provided
Comprehensive dermatology services for adults and children include:
- Innovative treatments for various dermatologic conditions
such as
- Acne
- Eczema (atopic dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Vitiligo
- State-of-the-art treatments for all forms of skin cancer include:
- The CTCL Clinic provides multidisciplinary care for people with a rare type of cancer called cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Treatments include extracorporeal photophoresis, one of the most effective treatments for patients with this disease.
- The Melanoma Surveillance Clinic provides innovative intervention and treatment strategies for melanoma, including the use of photographic surveillance to track high-risk moles over time.
- Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) Clinic provides Mohs surgery, which has the highest cure rate of any procedure for skin cancer. During Mohs surgery, the surgeon uses a microscope to remove the very last traces of cancer cells.
- The Cosmetic Dermatology Program provides:
- Antiaging therapies, such as Botox and collagen injections.
- Chemical peels and microdermabrasion to make skin smoother and improve acne, wrinkles and skin discoloration.
- Advanced laser therapy to decrease excess hair growth and reduce lines and scars.
- Varicose vein treatments, including laser therapy and sclerotherapy, which involves the injection of special solutions into the veins to reduce their appearance.
In addition to the services above, the department tests the efficacy of new treatments for different skin diseases through its Clinical Pharmacology Unit. Clinical studies are complemented by a basic science laboratory, where investigators are conducting state-of-the-art research on mast cell biology and mastocytosis.
Finding a specialist at Rush:
To find a dermatologist at Rush click here.
Or make an appointment with a doctor at Rush by calling our toll-free physician referral number:
To reach the hospital operator, call (312) 942-5000. If you have difficulty hearing, call (312) 942-2207 (TTY/TTD).
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Dermatology
Dermatology
Dermatology
Skin Inflammation (Rashes)