Disease directory
Erythema multiforme
Published: September 18, 2026Updated: September 18, 2026
Important: Informational content intended for healthcare professionals. It does not replace clinical evaluation or establish a doctor-patient relationship.
Overview
-
Synonyms : exudative erythema multiforme; EM minor/EM major; “Oral EM” (predominant mucosal variant). Kechichian 2024 , Scully 2008
-
First description : Hebra coined “erythema exsudativum multiforme” (1860–1866); Bateman had previously described similar eruptions (1817). Kechichian 2024 , Gungor 2024 , Saavedra-Delgado 1992
-
Epidemiology : rare; predominant in adolescents and young adults; worldwide distribution; recurrence rate in ~20–25%; HSV is the most common trigger for recurrent MS. Samim 2013 , Staikuniene 2015 , Kechichian 2024
-
Codes : ICD-10 : L51 (subcategories L51.0, L51.8, L51.9). ICD-11 : EB12 (e.g., EB12.0 cutaneous; EB12.1 mucocutaneous). (WHO Classification).
- Diagnostic checklist (quick
-
Essential clinical findings: typical acral targets; assess number of affected mucous membranes; rule out signs of SJS/TEN. Samim 2013 , Bastuji-Garin 1993
-
Key laboratory tests: HSV PCR if herpetic lesions are present; Mycoplasma PCR/serology depending on respiratory symptoms; electrolytes if intake is compromised. Schalock 2006
-
Diagnostic tests : Chest X-ray/CT scan if pneumonitis is present; ophthalmology if eye involvement is suspected. Scully 2008
-
Biopsy : active edge punch for H&E ± perilesional for IFD. Howland 1984 , Mysorekar 2015
-
Doctors who treat Erythema multiforme
Directory specialists related to Erythema multiforme.
There are no specialists associated with this record yet
You can browse the full directory and filter by the condition you're interested in.
Go to directory