Treatment for Erythema Multiforme

Symptomatic Treatment

• The American College of Dermatology recommends applying topical corticosteroids, such as prednicarbate cream 0.02% or hydrocortisone, to affected areas to reduce inflammation and erythema in patients with erythema multiforme 1
• The use of emollients and moisturizers daily can help prevent skin dryness and maintain skin barrier function in patients with erythema multiforme 1
• Avoiding alcohol-containing lotions or gels and using oil-in-water creams or ointments instead is recommended for patients with erythema multiforme 1
• Oral antihistamines, such as cetirizine, loratadine, fexofenadine, or clemastine, can be used to treat grade 2/3 pruritus in patients with erythema multiforme 1
• Topical polidocanol-containing lotions can soothe itching in patients with erythema multiforme 1
• Maintaining oral hygiene with gentle, soap-free cleansers is important for patients with oral mucosal lesions due to erythema multiforme 2
• Antibiotics should only be used if there is a secondary bacterial infection, and targeted antibiotic therapy should be started after taking bacterial swabs in patients with erythema multiforme 1
• The American Academy of Dermatology advises against using hot showers or excessive soaps, as they can dehydrate the skin and worsen xerosis in patients with erythema multiforme 1
• The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology recommends avoiding trimming cuticles or manipulating skin lesions, as this can increase the risk of secondary infection in patients with erythema multiforme 3, 1
• Greasy occlusive creams should be avoided, as they may facilitate folliculitis in patients with erythema multiforme 3
• Short-term oral systemic steroids are recommended only for grade 3 erythema and desquamation in patients with erythema multiforme 1