Acute episodic inflammatory lesions of the mucous membrane and skin.

The first consideration in the treatment of erythema multiforme is to search for and eliminate a possible underlying cause. Mild cases require little treatment. Severe forms of the disease must receive prompt, active therapeutic measures. Fluid and electrolyte imbalance must be corrected, secondary bacterial infections must be combated with topical or systemic antibiotics, and large doses of systemic corticosteroids are used for short periods. Without treatment, lesions can persist for many weeks. Mild forms of the disease, which constitute most of the cases, usually subside in a few days to two to three weeks without sequelae. Severe forms persist for three to six weeks longer; sequelae include neurologic changes, corneal opacities, blindness, conjunctival, vaginal, or preputial synechiae, and esophageal strictures. Mortality of all forms has been reported as less than 0.5% but severe cases, at approximately 10%. Recurrences are likely in approximately 25% of the cases; the pattern is variable, chronic, and episodic.