Erythema multiforme
Treatments for erythema multiforme
Treatment aims to tackle the underlying cause of the condition, relieve your symptoms and stop yourskin becoming infected.
Your doctor may recommend:
- stopping any medication that may be triggeringyour symptomsdo nottry this without speaking to yourdoctor first
- antihistamines and moisturising cream to reduce itching
- steroid cream to reduce redness and swelling (inflammation)
- painkillers for any pain
- antiviral tablets, if the cause is a viral infection
- anaesthetic mouthwash to ease the discomfort of anymouth sores
More severe cases may be treated in hospital with:
- stronger painkillers
- wound dressings to stop yoursores becoming infected
- a softened or liquid diet ifyour mouth is badly affected some people may need fluids giventhrough a drip intoa vein
- steroid tablets to control the inflammation
- antibiotics if you have or develop a bacterial infection
- eye drops or ointment if your eyes are affected
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Find out about erythema multiforme, a skin reaction that usually causes a rash for a few weeks.
Symptoms of erythema multiforme
Most people with erythema multiforme will just have a rash,but other symptoms can alsosometimesoccur. Rash The rash comes on suddenly and develops over a few days. It tends to start on the handsor f
When to get medical advice
See your GP as soon as possible if you think you or your child may haveerythema multiforme. Your GP may be able to diagnoseit just by looking at the rash, but they can refer you to askin specialist (
Causes of erythema multiforme
The cause oferythema multiforme is often unclear, but some cases are the result of a reactionto an infection or medication. The condition can't be passed from person to person. Infections Most case
Treatments for erythema multiforme
Treatment aims to tackle the underlying cause of the condition, relieve your symptoms and stop yourskin becoming infected. Your doctor may recommend: stopping any medication that may be triggeringy
Complications of erythema multiforme
Most people with erythema multiforme make a full recovery within a few weeks. There aren't usually any further problems and the skin normally heals without scarring . But there is a risk the conditio
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