title: Neonatal erythema multiforme major.
abstract: A 25-day-old neonate developed an unusual eruption with bullae and marked systemic symptoms. Investigation for bacterial, viral, autoimmune and immunobullous causes did not reveal any identifiable trigger and histological examination was highly suggestive of bullous erythema multiforme. Pulmonary infiltrates were noted late in the course of the disease. Differential diagnoses included bullous impetigo, primary herpes simplex infection, immunobullous disease, neonatal lupus and erythema multiforme. This case illustrates the difficulties in diagnosing and managing an unwell child with bullae and emphasizes the need to exclude treatable underlying causes.
authors.affiliation: Department of Dermatology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, Leicester, UK. Graham.Johnston@uhl-tr.nhs.uk
authors.forename: G A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Johnston
authors.forename: H S
authors.initials: HS
authors.lastname: Ghura
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.forename: R A C
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Graham-Brown
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy / Q000379:methods; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007169:Impetigo / Q000175:diagnosis; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D008178:Lupus Erythematosus, Cutaneous / Q000175:diagnosis; D008297:Male