Have you ever noticed red patches or spots suddenly appear on your skin, maybe looking like little targets or rings? If so, it could be more than just a regular rash. One possible cause is a condition called erythema multiforme a bit of a mouthful, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down simply.
What Exactly Is Erythema Multiforme?
Erythema multiforme (often shortened to EM) is a rare skin reaction that often shows up as red spots or bumps, sometimes forming a bullseye or target shape. These patches may appear on your hands, arms, legs, or feet, and in more serious cases, they can even affect your lips, mouth, or eyes.
The condition can look alarming, but the good news is that it’s usually not dangerous and often goes away on its own within a few weeks. Still, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
What Causes It?
Most of the time, EM happens because of an infection. One of the most common culprits is the herpes simplex virus the same virus that causes cold sores. In fact, around 90% of recurring EM cases are linked to herpes outbreaks (Wojcik & Schwartz, 2019).
Other infections, like Mycoplasma pneumoniae (a type of bacteria that can cause chest infections), can also trigger EM. Less commonly, certain medications like antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, or seizure medications can bring it on too. Your immune system, in trying to fight these things, can overreact and cause inflammation in the skin.
What Does It Look and Feel Like?
The most recognizable sign of EM is the target lesion a red spot with a darker center and a paler ring around it, kind of like a bullseye. These can start out small but may spread or grow. You might also feel:
- Itching or burning where the spots are
- Sensitivity or pain in the affected areas
- Swelling in the hands or feet
If it’s a more severe form, known as EM major, you might also have:
- Painful sores in the mouth or on the lips
- Red or swollen eyes
- Trouble eating or swallowing if the mouth is affected
- A general feeling of being unwell, with fever or tiredness
How Is It Diagnosed?
A healthcare provider usually makes the diagnosis by looking at the spots and asking questions about your recent health like whether you’ve had a cold sore, fever, or taken any new medications. In some cases, they may take a skin sample (biopsy) or do blood tests to figure out what’s going on underneath.
What Can You Do About It?
There’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for EM, but the goal is to relieve symptoms and treat the underlying cause:
- Mild cases often clear up without needing special medication. You can use over-the-counter creams to ease itching or pain, and antihistamines to reduce swelling.
- If herpes is the trigger, doctors might prescribe antiviral medicine like acyclovir to control outbreaks.
- Pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help with discomfort.
- In severe cases, especially those affecting the mouth or eyes, doctors may recommend steroids to reduce inflammation or even hospital care if eating or drinking becomes difficult (Naldi et al., 2022).
Can It Come Back?
Yes especially if it’s linked to recurring herpes infections. Some people experience flare-ups a few times a year. If that’s the case, taking a low-dose antiviral daily may help prevent future episodes (Schneider et al., 2021).
When Should You See a Doctor?
If you notice red patches on your skin that quickly spread, especially if they look like targets or are painful, it’s a good idea to check in with a doctor. And if you’re dealing with mouth sores, fever, or eye problems, you should definitely seek medical attention right away.
Seeing strange red patches on your skin can be scary, but knowing that erythema multiforme is often manageable and not usually life-threatening can bring some peace of mind. The key is understanding your body’s signals and getting help when needed. Whether it’s a one-time reaction or something that happens more often, working with a healthcare provider can help you stay on top of it.
So, next time you notice those red rings or target spots, don’t panic just know your skin might be trying to tell you something important.
References
- Naldi, L., Cazzaniga, S., & Fasce, P. (2022). Erythema multiforme: Clinical features, causes, and management. Dermatologic Clinics, 40(2), 143–156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.det.2021.12.004
- Schneider, J. A., Cohen, P. R., & Ploch, L. E. (2021). Erythema multiforme: Pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment. American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, 22(5), 659–672. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40257-021-00603-4
- Wojcik, S., & Schwartz, R. A. (2019). Herpes simplex and erythema multiforme: Understanding the connection. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 81(3), 735–740. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2019.04.052
