multiforme?#

Acute, the symptoms disappearing spontaneously, usually in one to three
or four weeks. In some instances the recurrences take place so rapidly
that the disease assumes a chronic aspect; it is possible that such
cases are midway cases between this disease and dermatitis
herpetiformis.

#Mention the etiological factors in erythema multiforme.#

The causes are obscure. Digestive disturbance, rheumatic conditions, and
the ingestion of certain drugs are at times influential. Intestinal
toxins are doubtless important etiological factors in some cases.
Certain foods, such as are apt to undergo rapid putrefactive or
fermentative change, especially pork meats, oysters, fish, crabs,
lobsters, etc., are, therefore, not infrequently of apparent causative
influence. It is most frequently observed in spring and autumn months,
and in early adult life. The disease is not uncommon.

#What is the pathology of erythema multiforme?#

It is a mildly inflammatory disorder, somewhat similar to urticaria, and
presumably due to vasomotor disturbance; the amount of exudation, which
is variable, determines the character of the lesions.

#Name the diagnostic points of erythema multiforme.#

The multiformity of the eruption, the size of the papules, often its
limitation to certain parts, its course and the entire or comparative
absence of itching.

It resembles urticaria at times, but the lesions of this latter disease
are evanescent, disappearing and reappearing usually in the most
capricious manner, are commonly seated about the trunk, and are
exceedingly itchy.

In the vesicular and bullous types the acute character of the outbreak,
the often segmental and ring-like shape, their frequent origin from
erythematous papules, and the distribution and association with the more
common manifestations, are always suggestive.

#What prognosis would you give in erythema multiforme?#

Always favorable; the eruption usually disappears in ten days to three
weeks, although in rare instances new crops may appear from day to day
or week to week, and the process last one or two months. One or more
recurrences in succeeding years are not uncommon. Those rare cases in
which vesicular or bullous lesions are also seen on the lips and in the
mouth, are more prone to longer duration and to more frequent
recurrences.

#What remedies are commonly prescribed in erythema multiforme?#

Quinin, and, if constipation is present, saline l