Background: Erythema multiforme (EM) is a complex disease that may have cut
aneous and/or mucosal involvement. The severity may range from mild to seve
re and potentially life threatening. The literature cites many factors incl
uding viruses, infections, and medications as causes. This report documents
a patient who developed EM secondary to a herpes simplex viral (HSV) infec
tion.
Methods: Two weeks following an eruption of herpes labialis, a 20-year-old
white female patient developed acutely painful oral and labial ulcers accom
panied by target skin lesions. A diagnosis of erythema multiforme (EM) was
made. The patient was treated with antivirals, analgesics, and symptomatic
therapy.
Results: Nine days after the onset of symptoms, the oral and cutaneous lesi
ons had started to heal and the patient no longer required pain medication.
Conclusions: Although the etiology of EM is still often unknown, infections
with herpes simplex virus have been implicated as a possible precipitating
factor. This case illustrates the association of the occurrence of EM with
an HSV infection.