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Yes. Erythema Multiforme, or EM for short, is an immune deficiency disorder of the skin, typically caused by cold sores (HSV1 - Herpes simplex virus 1). I had my first outbreak of EM at the age of 14 years old. It is more common with children and adults under the age of 30. I am 24 years old now, female, and have been to a handful of dermatologists and doctors. After 10 years, I believe there is finally some hope for relief of this skin condition.

Please believe me, as I have been through dozens of different medications...(basically became a lab rat for all doctors-including specialists) I definitely know how irritating Erythema can be. The itch is almost unbearable and the associated pain that comes with it. Erythema is NOT contagious to others. However, it can be extremely contagious to one's self. This means that if you touch one of the skin lesions and touch a clear part of your body, you are likely to get a sore there as well by morning.

For self-relief before seeing a doctor, I suggest taking oatmeal baths to sooth the skin. The oatmeal extract is said to lessen the itch. Also, a topical cortisone cream or spray helps to relieve itch - however, not for long. I suggest GOLD BOND, but DO NOT put the cream on yourself. Have your mate or spouse apply it for you, because if you apply it yourself with your fingers an hands, you can get sores on your hands. If you do not have anyone to help you, make sure that you use a cotton swab or other applicator.

Make a doctors appt immediately! If you have a cold sore, but have not had the outbreak yet - the medication "Acyclovir" is what you need to be prescribed. This medication is used to stop the cold sore from coming, which will prevent the onset of Erythema sores. The mg you need for Acyclovir is below:

1st bottle - 400 mg, 3X a day for 5 days...

2nd bottle - 200 mg, 1 a day until medication is completely gone.

Now, unfortunately you cannot always catch the cold sore in time and end up getting an outbreak of Erythema. When this happens, the Acyclovir basically will do nothing for you.

In the instance that you get an outbreak of EM, you need to go to your doctor or ER and tell them that you need a shot of Prednisone (in the buttocks is the best area to receive the shot since it is central of the body and works evenly.) Then you need to be prescribed Prednisone pills.

Now, I am on 10mg ...but if you have never been prescribed Prednisone, do not be surprised if you only receive 5mg at first. Prednisone is a strong steroid medication and should be used with caution.

Dosage should be:

5mg (or 10 mg) Prednisone... Generic name: Deltasone

2 tablets every day for 4 days...

then 1 tablet everyday for 4 days...

then 1/2 of a tablet everday for 4 days...until medication is gone.

It is important to complete the entire prescription because your body need to "wean" itself off the steroid. So, do not stop taking the medication just because the Erythema sores have disappeared.

Also, along with Prednisone, make sure you take the pill form of Benadryl. This can be prescribed to you, or bought over the counter - they are the SAME exact pills regardless of where you get it. (Pink and white capsule)

This will make you sleepy but helps out wonderfully with the itch and allows your body time for the Prednisone to work without you having to be too miserable with the wait.

For pain, I would suggest over the counter Tylenol PM for bedtime. I know for me, it is the only OTC medication that works and helps me sleep through the itch better throughout the night.

In the day time, you may take ibuprofen or regular daytime Tylenol for pain.

To all you who deal with Erythema Multiforme...

I know how you feel and I am with you. I have been dealing with these outbreaks for over 10 years now and cannot tell you how depressing this condition is. I have a 1 month old son that I couldn't even hold or burp after feeding because of all the skin lesions on my hands. I pray to God for you --for a speedy recovery from EM and pray for less and less outbreaks now that you know how to take care of it.

Good luck and God Bless You!

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Q: Is erythema multiforme related to herpes simplex?
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Related questions

What is erythema multiforme, is it a disease?

Erythema multiforme is a skin disorder due to an allergic reaction or infection. The symptoms are fever, general ill feeling, itching of the skin, joint aches, and multiple skin lesions. If not treated it can be really serious, even fatal.


What are the symptoms of erythema multiforme?

Erythema multiforme appears on the skin and the mucous membranes (the lining of the mouth, digestive tract, vagina, and other organs). Large, symmetrical red blotches appear all over the skin in a circular pattern. On mucous membranes.


What is erythematous exudative?

Erythema (noun): Redness of the skin caused by dilatation and congestion of the capillaries, often a sign of inflammation or infection. Erythematous(adjective): Relating to or characterized by erythema It seem to me that we speak for one and the same disease if we speak for Erythema exudativa or Erythematous exudative. If my assumption is right, I have the answer below for you: Erythema is a skin disorder due to an allergic reaction or infection. Erythema is a type of allergic reaction that occurs in response to medications, infections, or illness. Medications include:Barbiturate, Penicillins, Phenytoin, Sulfonamides. Infections include: Herpes simplex. Mycoplasma. Erythema is exudative, when there is exudate and swelling in the rash patches. This usually happens infectious erythema. Most erythema multiforme is associated with herpes simplex or mycoplasma infections. To the questioner: The term 'erythema' has frequent use than erythematous, so it would be better for the readers of answer.com to have the question as Erythema (instead Erythematous). Hope the someone will edit and correct it.


What is herpes simplex communly known as?

Herpes simplex is commonly known as oral herpes.


What is valacyclovir hcl used for?

No such drug. Valaciclovir is used to treat and prevent herpes simplex and related infections, such as genital herpes, shingles and CMV.


Can herpes simplex 1 only live in your urethra?

Herpes simplex 1 can live on any part of your skin.


Is herpes simplex keratitis a disability?

No.


Can a Cold sore leading to herpes simplex two?

A cold sore can't lead to herpes simplex two; they are a different virus.


Is Herpes simplex IgG a part of the chickenpox family and does it affect your lungs?

Herpes simplex IgG is the long-term antibody to herpes simplex virus. It typically affects the skin and mucous membranes, not the lungs. It is not caused by chickenpox. It indicates prior infection.


Can you get oral herpes with simplex virus?

Yes you can.


What rhymes with Golgi complex?

herpes simplex


What does the medical abbreviation HSV mean?

HSV stands for herpes simplex virus, the virus that causes genital herpes and cold sores.herpe simplex virus