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