What Is Erythema Multiforme? Erythema multiforme is an allergic reaction. It causes a rash of spots with dark centers and pale red rings that look like a target or "bulls-eye." Some spots can have a small blister or scab in the middle. What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Erythema Multiforme? Erythema multiforme (air-uh-THEE-muh mul-teh-FOR-mee) starts with pink or red blotches. They grow over a few days into round spots that look like targets with red, pink, and pale rings. Often, the rash starts on the arms, hands, legs, and feet, then appears on the face, neck, diaper area, and body. Some kids get a few spots in the mouth. If there are many spots on the lips or mouth, it is called erythema multiforme major. The rash is most often on both sides of the body. It might not bother kids, but it can itch or burn. As the rash goes away, the skin where the spots were can look dark for a few months, but won't leave a scar. The rash might be the only sign, but sometimes kids with erythema multiforme also: feel tired have a low fever have sore muscles and joints have puffy hands or feet What Causes Erythema Multiforme? Most cases of erythema multiforme happen because the body has an allergic reaction to an infection or a medicine. The most common trigger is the germ that causes cold sores. In kids, a germ that causes lung infections also can trigger erythema multiforme. Less often a medicine causes it. Some medicines that can cause a reaction are: penicillin or sulfa-based antibiotics some anti-seizure medicines anesthesia nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen Is Erythema Multiforme Contagious? No, the rash can't spread from person to person. If an infection causes it, that infection can spread. But someone else who gets the infection may not get the rash too. How Is Erythema Multiforme Diagnosed? Doctors know it's erythema multiforme by looking at it. To help figure out what caused it, the doctor will ask about any recent sickness the child had and any medicines he or she takes. Sometimes, the cause isn't known. How Is Erythema Multiforme Treated? Erythema multiforme goes away on its own. If the cause is an infection, the doctor may treat that. If a medicine was the cause, the doctor will stop it and use a new one if a medicine is still needed. If your child has erythema multiforme caused by the cold sore germ, the rash might come back when cold sores come back. If it keeps coming back, the doctor may give a medicine to fight the cold sore germ to keep the rash away. Doctors might treat some severe cases with steroid medicines. How Can Parents Help? To help make kids feel better, doctors may suggest: putting cool packs on the rash taking a cool bath or shower using acetaminophen (like Tylenol or a store brand) for pain or fever using antihistamines (like Benadryl, Claritin, Zyrtec, or store brands) putting creams on the skin to help with itchiness These treatments won't make the rash go away faster, but will make a child feel better until the rash is gone. When Should I Call the Doctor? Call the doctor if you think your child has erythema multiforme. Other rashes can look similar. If your child is diagnosed with erythema multiforme, call the doctor if your child has any of these problems: a lot of spots in the mouth trouble drinking liquids pain that doesn't get better with pain medicine spots around the eyes or the white part of the eyes look red peeling skin What Else Should I Know? The erythema multiforme rash often goes away in 1 to 2 weeks, but can last as long as 4 weeks. It doesn't cause a scar, but in some kids might leave darker spots on the skin for a few months. It can be hard to wait until the rash goes away. You can help your child by treating the itching and pain and calling the doctor if you think your child is getting worse. Back to Articles Related Articles Word! Bacteria If you're feeling crummy, it's probably because nasty bacteria or some other germs have gotten into your body and made you sick. Read More Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP) Most kids who develop this inflammation of the blood vessels (marked by a raised red and purple rash) make a full recovery and have no long-term problems. Read More Cold Sores Cold sores are small and painful blisters that appear around the mouth, face, or nose. They're very common and, while uncomfortable, usually go away on their own. Read More Cold Sores You may have had a cold sore, but what are they exactly? Find out in this article for kids. 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