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    Am Fam Physician. 2006 Dec 1;74(11):1883-8.

    Erythema multiforme.

    Lamoreux MR, Sternbach MR, Hsu WT.

    Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19127, USA. mlamoreu@drexelmed.edu

    Erythema multiforme is a skin condition considered to be a hypersensitivity reaction to infections or drugs. It consists of a polymorphous eruption of macules, papules, and characteristic "target" lesions that are symmetrically distributed with a propensity for the distal extremities. There is minimal mucosal involvement. Management involves treating the existing infectious agent or discontinuing the causal drug. Mild cases resolve without sequelae and do not require treatment. Recurrent cases have been prevented with continuous acyclovir. Patients who have no response to acyclovir may have a response to valacyclovir or famcilovir, which have greater oral bioavailability and more convenient dosing. Patients with recurrent erythema multiforme despite suppressive antiviral therapy should be referred to a dermatologist for further treatment.

    PMID: 17168345 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE]

    Supplemental Content

    Patient drug information

    • Acyclovir (Zovirax®)

      Acyclovir is used to decrease pain and speed the healing of sores or blisters in people who have varicella (chickenpox), herpes zoster (shingles; a rash that can occur in people who have had chickenpox in the past), and ...

    • Valacyclovir (Valtrex® Caplets)

      Valacyclovir is used to treat herpes zoster (shingles) and genital herpes. It does not cure herpes infections but decreases pain and itching, helps sores to heal, and prevents new ones from forming.