4

How is Erythema Multiforme diagnosed?

See how Erythema Multiforme is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Erythema Multiforme

Erythema Multiforme diagnosis

Diagnosis of Erythema Multiforme


Erythema multiforme (EM) is a skin condition characterized by the development of distinctive skin lesions. Diagnosing EM involves a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, and sometimes additional tests to rule out other potential causes.



Medical History


During the initial consultation, the healthcare provider will inquire about the patient's symptoms, their duration, and any potential triggers or recent infections. It is crucial to provide detailed information about any medications, supplements, or recent illnesses, as certain drugs and infections can be associated with EM.



Physical Examination


The physical examination is a critical step in diagnosing EM. The healthcare provider will carefully examine the skin lesions to determine their characteristics and distribution. EM typically presents as target-like lesions, with concentric rings of color variation. These lesions can appear on the extremities, face, trunk, and mucous membranes. The presence of these characteristic lesions is a key diagnostic feature of EM.



Additional Tests


In some cases, additional tests may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of EM and exclude other potential causes. These tests may include:




  • Skin Biopsy: A small sample of the affected skin may be taken for microscopic examination. This can help differentiate EM from other similar skin conditions.

  • Blood Tests: Blood tests may be conducted to check for specific infections or underlying medical conditions that can cause EM-like symptoms.

  • Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Testing: Since HSV infection is a common trigger for EM, testing for HSV antibodies or viral DNA may be performed to confirm or rule out its involvement.

  • Patch Testing: Patch testing may be done to identify any potential allergens that could be triggering the EM episodes.



Differential Diagnosis


EM can resemble other skin conditions, making it important to differentiate it from similar disorders. Some conditions that may be considered in the differential diagnosis include:




  • Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)

  • Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

  • Drug-induced hypersensitivity reactions

  • Other viral exanthems

  • Autoimmune blistering disorders



Accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate management and treatment of EM. Therefore, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for a thorough evaluation and diagnosis.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
Dermatologist biopsy

Posted May 29, 2017 by Krista 2270
There is a biopsy, but it can often be diagnosed visually by a dermatologist.

Posted Apr 4, 2018 by Alicia 2800

Erythema Multiforme diagnosis

Erythema Multiforme life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Erythema Multiforme?

4 answers
Celebrities with Erythema Multiforme

Celebrities with Erythema Multiforme

2 answers
Is Erythema Multiforme hereditary?

Is Erythema Multiforme hereditary?

4 answers
Is Erythema Multiforme contagious?

Is Erythema Multiforme contagious?

4 answers
Natural treatment of Erythema Multiforme

Is there any natural treatment for Erythema Multiforme?

2 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Erythema Multiforme

ICD10 code of Erythema Multiforme and ICD9 code

3 answers
Living with Erythema Multiforme

Living with Erythema Multiforme. How to live with Erythema Multiforme?

3 answers
Erythema Multiforme diet

Erythema Multiforme diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of lif...

3 answers

World map of Erythema Multiforme

Find people with Erythema Multiforme through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Erythema Multiforme community.

Stories of Erythema Multiforme

ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME STORIES
Erythema Multiforme stories
In 2010 I developed the signs of Lyme disease (classic bullseye rash) following what was believed to be a tick bite. I was treated for several weeks with antibiotics.  The impact of the antibiotic treatment was to mess up my internal bacteria and I...
Erythema Multiforme stories
erythema multiforme from sunlight
Erythema Multiforme stories
In March of 2017 my wife and I traveled to Nashville to visit family. While I was there I scrapped my left elbow and did not think much of it. Two weeks after we returned a friend of mine saw my elbow and told me it looked weird. I had thought that I...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Erythema Multiforme forum

ERYTHEMA MULTIFORME FORUM

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map