Notes

Erythema

Redness of skin or mucous membranes from injury, infection, or inflammation.Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema chronicum migrans - seen in Lyme diseaseEncyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema infectiosum - (Slapped cheek syndrome; fifth disease) Parvovirus B19 (Parvovirus)Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema marginatum - seen in rheumatic feverEncyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema multiforme - seen in coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides immitis)Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema nodosum - seen in coccidioidomycosis (Coccidioides immitis)Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema nodosum leprosum - Mycobacterium lepraeEncyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema multiforme. EM is a type of allergic reaction. In most cases, it occurs in response to an infection. In rare cases, it is caused by certain medicines or body-wide (systemic) illness. Infections that may lead to EM include: Viruses, such as herpes simplex that cause cold sores and genital herpes (most common) Bacteria, such as Mycoplasma pneumoniae that cause lung infection Funguses, such as Histoplasma capsulatum , that cause histoplasmosis Medicines that may cause EM include: NSAIDs Allopurinol (treats gout) Certain antibiotics, such as sulfonamides and aminopenicillins Anti-seizure drugs Systemic illnesses that are associated with EM include: Inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn disease Systemic lupus erythematosus EM occurs mostly in adults 20 to 40 years old. People with EM often have family members who have had EM as well.Symptoms of EM include: Fever General ill feeling Itchy skin Joint aches Many skin lesions (sores or abnormal areas) Skin sores may: Start quickly Come back Spread Be raised or discolored Look like hives Have a central sore surrounded by pale red rings, also called a target, iris, or bulls-eye Have liquid-filled bumps or blisters of various sizes Be located on the upper body, legs, arms, palms, hands, or feet Include the face or lips Appear evenly on both sides of the body (symmetrical) Other symptoms may include: Bloodshot eyes Dry eyes Eye burning, itching, and discharge Eye pain Mouth sores Vision problems There are 2 forms of EM: EM minor usually involves the skin and sometimes mouth sores. EM major often starts with a fever and joint aches. Besides the skin sores and mouth sores, there may be sores in the eyes, genitals, lung airways, or gut.Your health care provider will look at your skin to diagnose EM. You'll be asked about your medical history, such as recent infections or medicines you've taken. Tests may include: Skin lesion biopsy Examination of skin tissue under a microscope.EM usually goes away on its own with or without treatment. Your provider will have you stop taking any medicines that may be causing the problem. But, don't stop taking medicines on your own without talking to your provider first. Treatment symptoms may include: Medicines, such as antihistamines, to control itching Moist compresses applied to the skin Pain medicines to reduce fever and discomfort Mouthwashes to ease discomfort of mouth sores that interferes with eating and drinking Antibiotics for skin infections Corticosteroids to control inflammation Medicines for eye symptoms Good hygiene and staying away from other people may help prevent secondary infections (infections that occur from treating the first infection).Mild forms of EM usually get better in 2 to 6 weeks, but the problem may return.Complications of EM may include: Patchy skin color Return of EM, especially with HSV infection.Call your provider right away if you have symptoms of EM.EM; Erythema multiforme minor; Erythema multiforme major; Erythema multiforme minor - erythema multiforme von Hebra; Acute bullous disorder - erythema multiforme; Herpes simplex - erythema multiforme.Erythema multiforme on the hands Erythema multiforme on the hands Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands Erythema multiforme, circular lesions - hands Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm Erythema multiforme, target lesions on the palm Erythema multiforme on the leg Erythema multiforme on the leg Erythema multiforme on the hand Erythema multiforme on the hand Exfoliation following erythroderma Exfoliation following erythroderma.French LE, Prins C. Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis.Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema nodosum. In about half of cases, the exact cause of erythema nodosum is unknown. The remaining cases are associated with an infection or other systemic disorder. Some of the more common infections associated with the disorder are: Streptococcus (most common) Cat scratch disease Chlamydia Coccidioidomycosis Hepatitis B Histoplasmosis Leptospirosis Mononucleosis (EBV) Mycobacteria Mycoplasma Psittacosis Syphilis Tuberculosis Tularemia Yersinia Erythema nodosum may occur with sensitivity to certain medicines, including: Antibiotics, including amoxicillin and other penicillins Sulfonamides Sulfones Birth control pills Progestin Sometimes, erythema nodosum may occur during pregnancy. Other disorders linked to this condition include leukemia, lymphoma, sarcoidosis, rheumatic fever , Bechet disease, and ulcerative colitis. The condition is more common in women than it is in men.Erythema nodosum is most common on the front of the shins. It may also occur on other areas of the body such as buttocks, calves, ankles, thighs, and arms. The lesions begin as flat, firm, hot, red, painful lumps that are about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) across. Within a few days, they may become purplish in color. Over several weeks, the lumps fade to a brownish, flat patch. Other symptoms may include: Fever General ill feeling (malaise) Joint aches Skin redness, inflammation, or irritation Swelling of the leg or other affected area.Your health care provider can diagnose this condition by looking at your skin. Tests that may be done include: Punch biopsy of a nodule Throat culture to rule out a strep infection Chest x-ray to rule out sarcoidosis or tuberculosis Blood tests to look for infections or other disorders.The underlying infection, drug, or disease should be identified and treated. Treatment may include: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Stronger anti-inflammatory medicines called corticosteroids, taken by mouth or given as a shot. Potassium iodide (SSKI) solution, most often given as drops added to orange juice. Other oral medicines that work on the body's immune system. Pain medicines (analgesics). Rest. Raising the sore area (elevation). Hot or cold compresses to help reduce discomfort.Erythema nodosum is uncomfortable, but not dangerous in most cases. Symptoms most often go away within about 6 weeks, but may return.Call your provider if you develop symptoms of erythema nodosum.Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis Erythema nodosum associated with sarcoidosis Erythema nodosum on the foot Erythema nodosum on the foot.Forrestel A, Rosenbach M. Erythema nodosum.Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema toxicum. Erythema toxicum may appear in approximately one half of all normal newborn infants. The condition may appear in the first few hours of life, or it can appear after the first day. The condition can last for several days. Although erythema toxicum is harmless, it can be of great concern to the new parent. Its cause is unknown but thought to be related to the immune system.The main symptom is a rash of small, yellow-to-white-colored bumps (papules) surrounded by red skin. There may be a few or several papules. They are usually on the face and in the middle of the body. They can also be seen on the upper arms and thighs. The rash can change rapidly, appearing and disappearing in different areas over hours to days.Your baby's health care provider can often make a diagnosis during a routine exam after birth. Testing is usually not needed. A skin scraping may be done if the diagnosis is not clear.The large red splotches usually disappear without any treatment or changes in skin care.The rash usually clears within 2 weeks. It is often completely gone by age 4 months.Discuss the condition with your baby's provider during a routine examination if you are concerned.Erythema toxicum neonatorum; ETN; Toxic erythema of the newborn; Flea-bite dermatitis.Neonate Neonate.Martin KL. Diseases of the neonate.Encyclopedia Entry for Erythema :Erythema infectiosum (Fifth disease). Source of disease: Parvovirus B19