erythema multiforme & steven johnson syndrom

visual video. multiforme is a skin condition of unknown cause, possibly mediated by deposition of immune complex (mostly IgM) in the superficial microvasculature of the skin and oral mucous membrane that usually follows an infection or drug exposure. It is a common disorder, with peak incidence in the second and third decades of life.The condition varies from a mild, self-limited rash (E. multiforme minor) to a severe, life-threatening form known as erythema multiforme major (or erythema multiforme majus) that also involves mucous membranes. This severe form may be related to Stevens-Johnson syndrome. The mild form is far more common than the severe form. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy.
The mild form usually presents with mildly itchy, pink-red blotches, symmetrically arranged and starting on the extremities. It often takes on the classical "target lesion" appearance, with a pink-red ring around a pale center. Resolution within 7-10 days is the norm.

Individuals with persistent (chronic) erythema multiforme often have a sore form at an injury site, eg. a minor scratch or abrasion, within a week. Irritation or even pressure from clothing will cause the erythema sore to continue to expand along its margins for weeks or months, long after the original sore at the center heals. One sore grew in this way for 7 months, involving 90% of the calf of the leg.
The most common predisposing infection is Herpes simplex, but bacterial infections (commonly Mycoplasma) and fungal diseases are also implicated. It has been shown that Herpes simplex virus eradication and even prophylaxis (with acyclovir) can prevent recurrent erythema multiforme eruption.
Other causes include drug reactions, most commonly to sulfa drugs, phenytoin, barbiturates, penicillin, and allopurinol, or a host of internal ailments.The human form of orf can also cause erythema multiforme.Persistent (chronic) erythema multiforme has been linked to ingestion of benzoates in both natural and artificial forms, including benzoic acid, which occurs naturally in some fruit, and sodium benzoate, a common food preservative.
Erythema multiforme is frequently self-limiting and requires no treatment. The appropriateness of glucocorticoid therapy can be uncertain, because it is difficult to determine if the course will be self-limiting

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Science & Technology

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• medical

[PilotMcbride]

It is an insidious Disease tfe, but you are not alone mon ami. Our son is currently in hospital with his second bout, first affect 94% of his skin, this time it looks like the Doctors have stopped its progression at about 60%.

I wish you all the best and pray that you never, ever suffer a relapse.

If you want to vent, I am on Facebook, contact me there and I will send you my email address.

Bon chance mon ami :)

[rlarg87]

Your very lucky that's as bad as it got. My girlfriend just got it and it's covered about 70-80% of her body. It's some really nasty stuff hope u recovered well.