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Erythema multiforme - Symptom

Alternative Names

Lyell's syndrome; Stevens-Johnson syndrome; Toxic epidermal necrolysis

Symptoms:

  • Fever
  • General ill feeling
  • Itching of the skin
  • Joint aches
  • Multiple skin lesions:
    • Start quickly and may return
    • May spread
    • May appear as a nodule, papule, or macule
    • Central lesion surrounded by pale red rings, also called a "target", "iris", or "bulls-eye"
    • May have vesicles and blisters of various sizes (bullae)
    • Located on the upper body, legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet
    • May involve the face or lips
    • Usually symmetrical

Other symptoms that may occur with this disease:

Signs and tests:

The diagnosis is based mainly on the appearance of the skin lesion, especially if there is a history of risk factors or related diseases.

Tests may include:

  • Reviewed last on: 10/3/2008
  • Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Lamoreux MR, Sternbach MR, Hsu WT. Erythema Multiforme. Am Fam Physician. 2006;74:1883-1888.

Erythema multiforme. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009.

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