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Erythema Multiforme Secondary to Herpes Simplex Infection: A Case Report
Author(s) -
Ayangco Lilibeth,
Sheridan Phillip J.,
Rogers Roy S.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.2001.72.7.953
Subject(s) - erythema multiforme , herpes labialis , medicine , dermatology , herpes simplex virus , etiology , erythema , disease , virus , immunology , pathology
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.