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You are here : Healthopedia.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Erythema Multiforme: Treatment & Monitoring
      Category : Health Centers > Skin Conditions

Erythema Multiforme

Erythema Multiforme | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring | Pictures and Images | Attribution


What are the treatments for the condition?

Treatment of erythema multiforme may involve the following:

  • stopping the medication causing the problem
  • treating the infection causing the reaction
  • using medications to help the skin heal
  • taking medications to reduce inflammation in the eye
  • treating complications, such as a skin infection
  • debridement, which involves the removal of large areas of damaged skin or dead tissue
  • taking antibiotics for any secondary infection caused by open areas of skin
  • A person with severe erythema multiforme may be transferred to a burn unit for specialized care.

    What are the side effects of the treatments?

    Medications used to treat erythema multiforme may cause upset stomach, rash, or allergic reaction. Debridement of dead tissue may cause bleeding or infection.

    What happens after treatment for the condition?

    Most people recover without a problem and can return to normal activities. However, the person is at higher risk for erythema multiforme in the future. If the condition is caused by herpes, a person may want to consider taking medications to prevent further herpes outbreaks. If erythema multiforme is caused by a medication, the person should avoid the medication in the future.

    How is the condition monitored?

    In mild cases, the skin is monitored until the rash disappears. Usually the affected person can do this monitoring at home. In serious cases, a person may need to be admitted to the hospital for closer monitoring. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.


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    Erythema Multiforme: Prevention & Expectations

     

    Erythema Multiforme: Pictures and Images

    Author: Lynn West, MD
    Reviewer: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Date Reviewed: 07/27/01









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    Page Last Updated: 6th April, 2009