Erythema Multiforme

Erythema multiforme refers to a skin disorder among children and young adults caused by an infection, like herpes simplex or mycoplasma, or allergic reaction to certain medications like barbiturates, penicillin, phenytoin and sulfonamides. However, the exact cause of erythema multiforme is yet to be known. Such disorder involves damage to the skin’s blood vessels as well as to those of skin tissues. Erythema multiforme major is a severe form of the disorder, also called Stevens-Johnson syndrome, which is mostly caused as reactions to medications than infections. Common symptoms include fever, itching, joint pain, general ill feeling, bloodshot eyes, dry eyes, eye burning, eye pain, mouth sores and vision problems.