Erythema Multiforme

Nothing shocks or concerns a parent more than a sudden, overwhelming condition to affect their child. Erythema Multiforme is one such condition that can cause parents to majorly “freak out” because of the intense symptoms that occur on the skin.

Erythema multiforme is an acute, self-limited, and sometimes recurring, skin condition that is considered to be a type IV hypersensitivity reaction associated with certain infections, medications, and other various triggers. While some children are mildly affected with a small patch of rash on the skin, many children suffer an extreme eruption of red lesions that cover a large span of skin.

Another concerning factor or erythema multiforme is that it can last anywhere between 2 to 7 weeks. This is a very long time for a child to be subject to a skin condition.

Symptoms of this condition include:

• Fever
• Overall “ill feeling”
• Joint aches
• Itching of the affected skin area
• Multiple skin lesions
• Eye pain
• Bloodshot eyes
• Mouth sores
• Vision problems

If your child is showing any symptoms of erythema multiforme, or any other serious skin condition, it is important that you visit a medical dermatologist right away. While you may be tempted to make an appointment with your child’s pediatrician, a medical dermatologist will have a more specialized expertise to deal with this skin condition.

Treatments include making your child as comfortable as possible during the duration of the condition. If it is concluded that erythema multiforme is caused by an illness or certain medications, these must be thoroughly evaluated. Medicines such as antihistamines and most compresses can be applied to control itching and discomfort. Oral antiviral medicine can be prescribed if the skin reaction is caused by herpes simplex. At Medical Dermatology Specialists, Dr. Jamie Weisman has the expertise and personalized care that you and your child need. Call our office today.