title: Erythema multiforme in children: the steroid debate.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In my office I occasionally see children who have rashes with "target lesions" and who are diagnosed with erythema multiforme (EM). When should these children receive steroids, and when should the illness be allowed to follow its natural course without steroid treatment?
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Erythema multiforme is relatively common in children. Current recommendations suggest not to treat EM minor with systemic steroids and that topical steroids might be of benefit. The use of systemic steroids for EM major remains controversial, as there is evidence both for and against treatment, and no randomized controlled trials have been done. Further studies need to address the benefit of steroids, and in the interim, physicians should decide on a treatment based on the severity of EM and in consultation with a dermatologist, if available.
authors.affiliation: BC Children's Hospital, Department of Pediatrics, Room K4-226, Ambulatory Care Bldg, 4480 Oak St, Vancouver, BC V6H 3V4, Canada.
authors.forename: Melissa
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Chan
authors.forename: Ran D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Goldman
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D012720:Severity of Illness Index
chemical_list: D005938:Glucocorticoids