Varicella zoster virus infection associated with erythema multiforme in children

Background: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a vesiculobullous disorder with var iable manifestations which predominantly affects the skin, It is regarded a s a hypersensitivity disorder which is triggered by multiple factors such a s infection, drugs and food. Varicella tester virus (VZV) has rarely been r eported as an etiological agent, despite its high incidence as a pathogen i n childhood, Patients: We describe two children in whom EM preceded VZV infection. In th e first, a 5-year-old boy, EM was followed 3 days Later by a classical diss eminated varicella eruption. The diagnosis was reached by clinical, epidemi ological and serological means. The second patient was a 13-year-old boy wi th EM which was followed 2 weeks Later by Ramsay-Hunt syndrome. The diagnos is was confirmed by skin biopsy, positive serology and viral culture. Conclusion: The association of EM and VZV infection is probably more common than reported, In clinical cases of EM, VZV should be included in the List of possible causative agents.