What is Erythema Multiforme?

My dermatologist asked me to have a seat in the exam room, looked me up and down, and said, "I know exactly what you have." I anxiously awaited his diagnosis to a condition I had been suffering with for over 8 years.

In the previous years, I had been led to believe, by a host of specialists and general physicians, that I was allergic to caffeine. And, I whole heartedly agreed to their prognosis. After a cup of coffee I would break out in over a dozen canker sores. A sip of pop gave me at least 2 or 3 sores. Tea was off limits, and I read every package and label to make sure caffeine wasn't a hidden ingredient. I was very careful.

After my last two "allergic reactions" I decided I had to investigate further, because my symptoms were changing, and I knew I didn't have any caffeine laden foods. The sores had now spread to my fingers and the exterior part of my lips.

So, there I sat in the dermatologist's office with blisters all over my fingers, lips, tongue and interior of my mouth. I was in pain, and struggling for answers. I knew this couldn't just be from caffeine. And my family doctor assured me this wasn't just a reaction to stress.

So, after hours of questions, researching and learning, I will share what I know about Erythema Multiforme. Please keep in mind, I am not a physician. I am merely a patient that wants answers and an insight into a diagnosis I will have to live with forever.

Symptoms of Erythema Multiforme

Erythema Multiforme has been categorized as a skin disease. It attacks the body, including the hands, feet, trunk, legs, arms, face, eyes and mouth. Blisters, lesions and ulcers occur on these body parts and are often accompanied by a burning and itching feeling.

Blisters that begin in the mouth, in my case, started with a tingling sensation and sore gums. They look like clear blisters at the onset, then pop and look like canker sores. Blisters on the exterior skin look like a target, with a red ring on the outside, and an a raised blister in the middle.

Some patients have complained of fever, fatigue, sore throat, nausea and diarrhea before an outbreak of Erythema Multiforme.

Causes of Erythema Multiforme

An outbreak of Erythema Multiforme can be caused by several sources including a virus, bacteria or chemical reaction from a medication. Doctors have told me the most common trigger is having the Herpes Simplex 1 virus (that causes cold sores) in your system. However many stimuli can cause an outbreak of Erythema Multiforme. It may as simple as taking a new medication, or getting a vaccination.

Treatments for Erythema Multiforme

Mild cases of Erythema Multiforme usually only require treatment of the symptoms. Pain medications, oral treatments and topical steroids are common. Then, time will allow your body to heal itself. For me personally, it takes 3 to 4 weeks for an outbreak with my mouth to heal. In some cases, Erythema Multiforme gets quite severe, spreading to many body systems, and increases in intensity.

Conditions that Stem from Erythema Multiforme

A severe form of Erythema Multiforme is called Stevens Johnson Syndrome. SJS is very serious, and will require an immediate visit to the emergency room. Its aggressive nature can make it difficult for the patient to breath or retain liquids, due to the number of blisters. Severe cases require care in the intensive care or burn unit at a hospital. An elevated case of Stevens Johnson Syndrome is called Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN). TEN is an extremely severe situation, that may be fatal.

SOURCES:

http://www.emedicine.com/emerg/TOPIC173.HTM

personal experience