September 21st, 2008 by admin

 The polymorphous erythema is a disease characterized by the presence of lesions on the skin reddened and over-who often have the look of targets and usually are distributed symmetrically around the body.

Probably the cause of more than half of the cases is the herpes simplex. This viral infection may be evident before the appearance of erythema polymorphous. In other cases, the possible causes include virtually all drugs (usually, penicillins, sulfonamide and barbiturates) and other infectious diseases (such as Coxsackie virus infection by viruses or ECHO, mycoplasma pneumonia, psittacosis and histoplasmosis). On rare occasions, some vaccines cause erythema polymorphous. Doctors do not know the mechanism by which the herpes simplex and certain drugs produce this disease, but it is suspected that the cause is an allergic reaction.

Symptoms
Usually, erythema polymorphous appears suddenly, with red spots and blisters occurring more frequently in the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet, and in the face. The blisters on the lips and located in the oral mucosa may bleed. Erythema polymorphous produces brands flat, circular and reddish equally distributed on both sides of the body, these areas can be converted into concentric rings with dark purple-gray centers (injuries or target iris). The red areas sometimes produce itching. A person may file with erythema polymorphous cold sores (or if any had previously), feel tired and have pain in the joints, in addition to fever. Outbreaks of erythema polymorphous can last from 2 to 4 weeks and may appeal in the fall and spring for several years.

The Stevens-Johnson syndrome (in which the blisters appear on the inside of the mouth, the throat, anus, the genital region and the eyes) is a very serious form of erythema polymorphous. In the rest of the skin may appear reddened areas. The lesions in the lining of the mouth to eat create difficulties and even close the mouth can be painful, so sometimes the person babe. The eyes may hurt intensely, both ignited and filled with pus, which remain sealed. The cornea may present scars. The hole through which urine leaves can also be affected and therefore it is difficult and painful urination.

Treatment
Erythema polymorphous usually heal on its own, but the Stevens-Johnson syndrome can be fatal. Physicians must seek all possible causes of infection or remove any drug suspect. When it is believed that the erythema polymorphous the cause is herpes simplex, usually administered oral acyclovir.

The blisters or ulcers of the skin is covered with running water compresses. It is possible to use oral corticosteroids in severe, persistent or recurring, but their use is highly debated.

At the slightest sign of infection, antibiotics are prescribed. When the erythema polymorphous prevents eating or drinking, food and fluids be administered intravenously.