title: Erythema multiforme: a review of epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, and treatment.
abstract: Erythema multiforme (EM) is an acute, immune-mediated disorder affecting the skin and/or mucous membranes, including the oral cavity. Target or iris lesions distributed symmetrically on the extremities and trunk characterize the condition. Infections are the most common cause of EM and the most frequently implicated infectious agent causing clinical disease is the herpes simplex virus. The diagnosis of EM is typically based on the patient's history and clinical findings. Management involves controlling the underlying infection or causative agent, symptom control, and adequate hydration. The epidemiology, pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnosis, and treatment of EM are reviewed in this article.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Dentistry, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: Firoozeh
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Samim
authors.forename: Ajit
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Auluck
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Zed
authors.forename: P Michele
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D006561:Herpes Simplex / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D006968:Hypersensitivity, Delayed / Q000503:physiopathology; D009092:Mucous Membrane / Q000473:pathology*; D019226:Oral Ulcer / Q000473:pathology*; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology
keywords: Erythema multiforme; Immune disorder; Oral ulcer; Stevens–Johnson syndrome; Ulcerative; Vesiculobullous