Erythema Multiforme Secondary to Herpes Simplex Infection: A Case Report

Background: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a complex disease that may have cutaneous and/or mucosal involvement. The severity may range from mild to severe and potentially life threatening. The literature cites many factors including viruses, infections, and medications as causes. This report documents a patient who developed EM secondary to a herpes simplex viral (HSV) infection.Methods: Two weeks following an eruption of herpes labialis, a 20‐year‐old white female patient developed acutely painful oral and labial ulcers accompanied by target skin lesions. A diagnosis of erythema multiforme (EM) was made. The patient was treated with antivirals, analgesics, and symptomatic therapy.Results: Nine days after the onset of symptoms, the oral and cutaneous lesions had started to heal and the patient no longer required pain medication.Conclusions: Although the etiology of EM is still often unknown, infections with herpes simplex virus have been implicated as a possible precipitating factor. This case illustrates the association of the occurrence of EM with an HSV infection. J Periodontol 2001;72:953‐;957.