What causes erythema multiforme major?
What causes erythema multiforme? Most often, this skin problem is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Other causes are: Fungal and bacterial infections, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Is erythema multiforme major life threatening?
Erythema multiforme minor is not very serious and usually clears up with medicine to control infection or inflammation. However, if a person develops a more severe form of erythema multiforme (erythema multiforme major), the condition can become fatal.
Can erythema multiforme major?
Erythema multiforme can be minor or major. Erythema multiforme minor is usually a mild condition that causes a rash on the skin. Erythema multiforme major can be severe, affecting the mucous membranes, and typically requires more extensive treatment.
How do you get erythema multiforme major?
The cause of erythema multiforme is unknown, but it appears to be an allergic reaction that occurs in response to medications, infections, or illness. As noted above, it often appears in association with herpes simplex virus or with infectious organisms such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
Can you become immune to valacyclovir?
A Mutating Case. Resistance usually develops due to mutations in the thymidine kinase pathway that cause patients to become non-sensitive to acyclovir and its pro-drug valacyclovir, according to Dr. Thimons.
What is the difference between erythema multiforme minor and major?
Erythema multiforme can be minor or major. Erythema multiforme minor is usually a mild condition that causes a skin rash. Erythema multiforme major can be more severe and typically requires more extensive treatment. What is erythema multiforme?
What does erythema multiform major (EMM) mean?
The erythema quickly spread throughout the body involving the oral and ocular mucous membranes, the trunk, and the extremities, and eventually developed into erythema multiform major (EMM). Through drug withdrawal and specific treatment including systemic corticosteroids and supportive care, her clinical symptoms were improved.
What is another name for erythema multiforme bullosum?
Other Names: EM; Erythema polymorphe, erythema multiforme type; Erythema multiforme bullosum; EM; Erythema polymorphe, erythema multiforme type; Erythema multiforme bullosum; Dermatostomatitis, erythema multiforme type; Febrile mucocutaneous syndrome; Herpes iris, erythema multiforme type See More.
What are the treatment options for erythema multiforme (EM)?
Acyclovir can be particularly beneficial as a prevention method for recurrent cases of erythema multiforme resulting from HSV. If M. pneumoniae infection is responsible for the rash, doctors may prescribe antibiotics such as a macrolide, tetracycline, or azithromycin.